Frank Rijkaard has decided to rest Thierry Henry and Deco for tomorrow’s game against bottom of the table Levante (kick off 7pm, local time). With Rafa Marquez also missing the game with a bruised foot, there is a return to the squad for Zambrotta, Edmilson and Bojan. There could be some big names starting on the bench as Rijkaard looks to keep his players fresh for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey game with Valencia. However, he could just as easily rest players against Valencia as the following game next Saturday is away to Atletico Madrid.

Levante have problems both on and off the pitch. Their players have been having problems to get paid, and this week there are all sorts of stories about whether one of their biggest shareholders is giving up his shares or not. Don’t ask me to explain it because I’ve not followed the story that closely but there is a possibility that if things aren’t sorted out, the Levante players may protest during tomorrow’s game by sitting down for the first minute of play! If this does happen don’t expect Barça to take advantage by scoring, the players will show solidarity with their fellow professionals and will probably just pass the ball amongst themselves until the minute is over. It seems the crisis at Levante has actually built team spirit as they have staged a mini-revival in recent weeks and have only lost one of their last five games, last week they won 2-1 at home to Osasuna.

Barça will need to take the game seriously as a slip-up would be embarrassing and would undo all the positive feeling that has come from Wednesday’s victory in Glasgow. No game in La Liga can be classed as easy and hopefully the players will not have taken too much notice of the euphoric mood of the fans and the press. It always amazes me how quickly this mood can change in Barcelona, there is never any middle ground, it is either we are the best in the world or we are a bunch of useless overpaid good-for-nothings.

With Henry rested, hopefully we will see Samuel Eto’o start his first game since January 12th when he scored twice in the 4-0 victory over Murcia. Zambrotta could also return to the starting lineup for the first time since getting injured on international duty at the beginning of the month. Also expect to see Xavi back in midfield after starting on the bench in Glasgow. The rest of the team is difficult to predict and will depend on how Rijkaard sees the fitness level of each player. As Barça play before Madrid tomorrow a victory will reduce the difference to just two points and put the pressure on Madrid before their game at home to Getafe. 

Barça’s squad for tomorrow: Valdés, Pinto, Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Xavi, Toure, Edmilson, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Giovani, Eto’o, Bojan, Ronaldinho.

Possible starting XI: Valdés, Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.

My prediction: Barça 2 Levante 0

Can anyone catch Blaugrana who now has three correct predictions?