With Real Madrid losing to Valencia at Mestalla yesterday, FC Barcelona has their first oppurunity to win the League Title tonight. If Barca manages a victory against Villareal tonight, they will move ten points clear and make sure of their first title of this season. Guardiola would love to see his team round up the available titles as soon as possible. That will give them enough rest after a very hectic schedule. Guardiola has announced his squad for Villareal clash. Only the injutred stars - Henry, Milito and Marquez has been left out of the squad. The squad list is Valdés, Pinto, Jorquera, Alves, Puyol, Cáceres, Víctor Sánchez, Piqué, Sylvinho, Abidal, Touré, Keita, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Gudjohnsen, Hleb, Bojan, Messi and Eto'o. On any other day Guardiola would have preffered to rest his major stars but not tonight. We have a cup final coming in the mid week and hence it becomes more essesntial to enter the final with a victory. But we will be sure to have a peek into the Copa Del Rey starting eleven tonight.
Villareal is looking for to qualify for UEFA Champions League. They are currently trailing fourt placed Valencia by four points with tonight's macth in hand. A victory will take them closer by one point. Hence there won't be any let up by Villareal. Valdes will be again at the goal, eventhough Pinto will be the choice for Copa Del Rey. Alves, Abidal, Pique and Puyol will form the defense. But I expect Guardiola to rest both Toure and Xavi for tonight's match. So we could see a midfield with Iniesta, Keita and Gudjohnsen. The front three will be made up of Hleb, Eto and Bojan. Hleb and Bojan are expected to start against Bilbao mid-week and should get some quality time. I especially would like to see Hleb having a good day. This match could be a tough one for Barca players, but the knowledge that they can wrap the title at home tonight should give them the confidence. I am expecting a 2-1 victory.