Athletic Bilbao vs FC Barcelona Preview

Xavi Hernandes has been ruled out of today’s match against Athletic Bilbao. His ommision has been explained as a precautionery measure in the official club website. Xavi is making googd progress from a harmstring problem and should feature in the mid-week Champions League encounter with Basel. The squad chosen are Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Víctor Sánchez, Puyol, Márquez, Piqué, Abidal, Sylvinho, Busquets, Touré Yaya, Keita, Iniesta, Bojan, Hleb, Henry, Eto’o and Messi. Notably Hleb makes a comeback and should see some time in the pitch. But the absence of Xavi throws up the usual combination used by Guardiola. In the absence of Xavi the creative spearhead role in the midfield should be done byu Andres Iniesta. Keita may be inadequete to do that role. That opens up a place for Thierry Henry on the left side of the attacking trio.

Athletic Bilbao lies fifteenth in the La Liga table. Barcelona in the last game has thrashed a far superior Atletico Madrid side and Athletic Bilbao should not come as tough. But how many times we have seen FC Barcelona failing miserably after an international break. Alves is back and should start at the right back position. Puyol is expected to start along with either Pique or Marquez. Abidal will be starting as left back with enough confidence from his performance against Atletico Madrid. The midfield most probably would be made of Keita, Iniesta and Toure. The forward trio will be Henry, Messi and Eto. FC Barcelona fans would be expecting great things from their side after the Atletico Madrid thrashing. But my advice - keep your expectation low; a 1-0 or a 2-1 victory would be as good as last match.

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