Despite some rumours in the press Ronaldinho Gaucho has been included in the squad for tomorrow night’s game with Recreativo de Huelva. There was some speculation that Ronnie would be rested after only returning from international duty this morning, and that there would be a place for Eidur Gudjohnsen in the starting line-up. Santi Ezquerro and Gianluca Zambrotta return to the squad in place of Giovani dos Santos who hasn’t recovered fully from the injury he picked up against Alcoyano, and Lilian Thuram.
Recreativo who are coached by ex-Barça player Victor Muñoz, are in need of some points as they currently find themselves in the relegation zone with only 12 points. They are struggling to find the net this season and recently went five games without scoring until their 1-0 win over Osasuna in the last league game. For goals they will be looking to Sinama Pongolle who has overcome a niggling injury to be included in Recre’s squad for the game. Last season Barça beat them 3-0 at Camp Nou with two goals from Ronaldinho and another from Xavi. This may make the game sound easy but last season Recre finished 8th in the league, and this season they have beaten Espanyol and also beat Deportivo in La Coruña.
Barça will be hoping to keep up their 100% home record this season. The starting XI looks quite obvious, the only question is whether Puyol will play in central defence with Zambrotta on the right, or perhaps Puyol will play on the right with Marquez partnering Milito in the middle. But maybe Frank will surprise us all by leaving Ronnie on the bench with Iniesta pushed forward and Gudjohnsen coming into midfield. A lot of people might like to see this option but I think it is quite unlikely.
Rijkaard has named the following eighteen players for the game: Valdés, Jorquera, Oleguer, Zambrotta, Puyol, Marquez, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Toure, Xavi, Iniesta, Gudjohnsen, Messi, Henry, Ronaldinho, Bojan, Ezquerro.
Probable Starting XI: Valdés; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Henry, Ronaldinho.
My Prediction: Barça 2 Recreativo 0
Please send your predictions.
5 responses so far ↓
2pac // Nov 24, 2007 at 10:46
My Prediction: Barça 4 Recreativo 0
Tristan // Nov 24, 2007 at 12:08
2-0 is enough.
Nic // Nov 24, 2007 at 13:12
This morning (Saturday) el Mundo Deportivo are saying Ronaldinho will probably start on the bench and they suggest Bojan will start. If Ronnie doesn’t play I prefer the option of Gudjohnsen in midfield and Iniesta in Ronnie’s place. Tonight we’ll see what happens.
FCB - Canada // Nov 24, 2007 at 14:42
3-0. I also think that Ronnie will start on bench and that Bojan will get the start or maybe Dos Santos starts?
Nic // Nov 24, 2007 at 23:38
Well done FCB-Canada. You are this week’s star predictor. You should hold your head high.
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