The clock is ticking. FC Barcelona will now begin its quest for 9 points with which the team can win the league. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich is waiting on Tuesday and both Puyol and Mascherano are out with injuries. Can Bartra partner well with Pique? Or will Tito utilize Adriano in the heart of defense once again?
Levante will visit Camp Nou in Round 32 of La Liga this Saturday night in a slump of form, having suffered two consecutive defeats at the hands of Real Madrid and Deportivo. Their away form is even more abysmal with 3 draws and 3 losses in their last 6 away games. They are relatively safe from relegation and are currently sitting in 12th place. Knowing this, Tito will rest most of the key players as the youngsters should be hungry enough for the three points.
In the first encounter with Levante, Barcelona won 4-0 courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi (2), Iniesta, and Fabregas. The scoreline was deceiving though as Levante didn't go down easily. In fact, Barcelona scored their first goal in the second half which opened the game up. Iniesta and Messi were the difference, but it's unlikely that both players will start on Saturday. Before the first goal, Barcelona was having difficulty penetrating Levante's back four as the defenders refused to take the bait and leave their positions.
Messi had trouble finding space as there were no number 9 occupying the defender's attention. Fabregas tried to make runs but he was easily nullified as Levante knew what to expect from him. This made Fabregas reluctant to keep trying the runs and in effect Barcelona's attack became monotonous and one dimensional. Fortunately, Iniesta found a very small opening and was able to create a chance for Messi.
Tito Vilanova is showing reluctance in pairing Bartra and Pique as he sees the two as being alike. Both are not the fastest players on the pitch, but are very technically sound. They are ball-playing defenders and usually a team only starts one. Of course, Bartra can be instructed to play more traditionally and giving him match experience could prove more valuable than retraining Adriano or Song at the heart of defense.
Jordi Alba will get some rest and Montoya or Adriano will deputize in the left back position. In midfield Xavi, Busquets, and Iniesta must rest, which means Song, Thiago, and Fabregas will play once again. The strike force of Pedro, Villa, and Tello should give Messi and Alexis enough rest. Alexis played very well in the number 9 position this season, so it's expected that he'll start against Bayern.
Mascherano and Puyol are still out with injuries, meanwhile Messi have been given the green light to resume training with the squad. Pinto is also injured but it's unclear if he's been given permission to continue training. The rest of the team will be available.
Vicente Iborra is unavailable through injury, but everyone else is available for selection. Ruben Garcia and Barkero are their top scorers after Obafemi Martins left for the Seattle Sounders.
Predicted Starting XI : Munua; Ballesteros, Navarro, Lell, Juanfran; Michel, P. Diop, Pedro Rios, Ruben Garcia, Barkero; Acquafresca
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