FC Barcelona vs Athletico Madrid Preview

FC Barcelona would be gearing up for one of the most toughest matches of this season so far. The last weeks match at Espanyol may not have convinced too many critic niether did Barca's victory against Shaktar. But the important fact here is we are winning and that was missing in last season. FC Barcelona has not yet full gelled as a team especially the defense. The defense looks like they are looking for a oppurtunity to fall apart. FC Barcelona would be hoping for a victory today even if it is a last gasp one. That would make it their sixth consecutive in all competition. The last three victory didn't come that convincingly; the match against Athletico Madrid won't be an easy one. Athletico always played well against FC barcelona at Camp Nou. Athletico's last visit to Cam Nou resulted in a 3-0 loss; Pep would be hoping to take confidence from that fact.

This match has been billed as the clash of the two young Argentinian super kids - Lionel Messi and Ken Aguero. Both of them looks like in good form and it would be an exciting duel. But Pep attantion would be on a number of opposition players most importantly Maxi Rodriguez. At the moment when I am writing the review Pep has not yet announced his squad. With his pechant to change the starting eleven it becomes pretty difficult to guess what will be the team composition. One thing is for sure is that he would be returning to 4-3-3 formation. That should result in Alves, Puyol, Marquez and Abidal starting in front of Valdes. The midfield is rather intriguing - Xavi is the only certainity thare. I expect Busquets and Gudjonsen/Toure to start. Messi, Eto and Iniesta would definitely start up front. FC Barcelona cannot afford to rest in this match with the attacking power of Athletico Madrid. The only thing which I can guarantee is that there would be many goals.