This has to be the most toughest match FC Barcelona has faced till now. Yes even bigger than the Clasico. This is the first Do or Die match we have to encounter this season. The home leg of ended in a goal less draw which perfectly places this tie in the balance. To an extent we have to say that Bilbao has a slight upper hand coming into this leg. They will have the home crowd wooing for them and also San Mames in recent times has been a tough place for us to visit. FC Barcelona but will be buoyed by the fact that they have won at San Mames earlier this season. Also with Messi back in the squad we should be confident to beat Athletic Bilbao tomorrow night.
The squad which will travel to play at San Mames has been announced - Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Adriano, Puyol, Piqué, Milito, Abidal, Busquets, Mascherano, Thiago, Xavi, Iniesta, Keita, Afellay, Jeffren, Bojan, Messi, Villa and Pedro. Usually Guardiola prefer to start with some B team players in the Copa Del Rey, not in this match. he has to go with almost his best eleven. Messi, Villa and Bojan should form the front three. May be many will vouch to have Pedro included, but I believe Bojan could be a totally different playing alongside Villa and Messi. Afellay has been included in the squad but it is difficult to see our midfield containing anyone other than Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. The centre of defense should see Pique and Puyol back with Alves on right and maybe Adriano on the left. And as usual in the case of King's cup, Pinto would probably start this match.
This one as explained is going to be a very tough match. Bilbao will be opting for the same tacti they employed in the first leg. They would look to populate the box with players and keep their shape and try to keep their shape. So it become very essential for Guardiola to start with Messi, Xavi and Iniesta along with Villa. The best time to catch them could be very ealry on when they are trying to settle into their game. An early goal would see Barca emerging comfortable winners. Since this is a cup tie and is the deciding match, we can expect Bilbao to open up a towards the end. So patience also is going to be a very valuable weapon. Bilabo may have stiffled us at Camp Nou, but I don't expect them to do the same once again. I will go for a 2-1 victory for us.