FC Barcelona would be playing their first home match of this season tomorrow against newly promoted Hercules. Usually coming back from an international break is a bit worrisome for Barca. But Guardioila will be happy playing hercules rather than any other team. Hercules went down to Athletic Bilbao on the opening week and was not expected to create any trouble for Barca. But the recent acquisition of Drenthe and Trezuguet have made them pretty competitive and couple with our usual problems after an international break, this could be tricky. Many of the FC Barcelona players had a mixed international break. Spanish stars like Iniesta, Pique, Busquets, Pedro etc would like to forget the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Argentina. Meanwhile Messi and Milito should be pretty high from that win. Milito is expected to start the match as Puyol is still not match fit. Teams like Hercules should be an ideal platform to give the youngsters a go. Jonathan dos santos and Thiago is expected to get some playing time.
After the 3-0 victory at Santander, the confidence should be high. That match wasn't the perfect one but it was essential to start in the perfect note. With Puyol certain to miss, Milito and Pique should be able to form the core of defense. Alves, who didn't have to do any travel is certain to start as fullback and I think Guardiola will prefer Maxwell to Abidal in this match. The midfield will be interesting to see. We have to see whether Guardiola willstart with Jonathan or will stick to the usual suspects. I feel Xavi would be rested or atleast may not start, that means we may see a midfield of Iniesta and Jonathan joining hand with Busquets. Mascherano is not expected to start but should see some playing time in this match. The frontline should see red hot Messi on the right, Pedro on the left and Villa on the middle.
Hercules recent addition has made them a bit dangerous. But I have to be crazy to assume that Barca will struggle to secure a victory against Hercules. I predict a goal fest with Barca winning 5-0. I can already see the headlines on Sunday and it somehow seems familiar - Messsiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.