With important matches against Espanyol and Manchester United in the next seven days it is good to see that many of the players with physical problems are recovering in time. Deco who hasn’t played since the start of March looks ready to play after training well for the last three days. He may well start against Espanyol to try and regain match fitness and then be available for the Champions League game.
Henry, Iniesta and Marquez all missed last weekend’s game at Recreativo but today trained normally for most of the session and only at the end did they partake in individual exercises along with Milito and Thuram. Frank Rijkaard will need to decide who to play and who to rest against Espanyol with an eye on having the team at its maximum level next Wednesday. The only first team players who are still out injured are Ronaldinho, Oleguer and Jorquera.
13 responses so far ↓
Lorenzinho // Apr 17, 2008 at 18:16
Let play the starters against Manchester during the first half against Espanyol and then sub accordingly to save energy. Thus Messi, Deco and Yaya should have a 60 minute game. Perhaps rest Iniesta all together. I would rest more first team players but I think regaining confidence is more important at this moment.
11 vs Espanol
Bojan Eto’o Messi
Xavi Deco
Yaya
Abidal Milito Puyol Zambrotta
V.V.
Zin // Apr 17, 2008 at 20:01
A bit off topic Nic, but fyi I directed someone from SP to the site yesterday. You never know, but the more you post, the more people will visit the site ;-). I love coming here and reading your articles, and getting a lot of info that major other news conglomerates miss out on about the team. Great stuff! =)
BARCA 4 LYF // Apr 17, 2008 at 20:09
http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol_base/temporada07-08/04/n071129102279.html!!!
whitedoghunch // Apr 17, 2008 at 21:59
having watched both of yourselves and Man untd play against us (celtic ) this year The Barcelona performance in Glasgow was in a technical and football sense far superior to anything Manchester can offer.
thought you might like this it is a banner from the Celtic supporters pointing to the rangers supporters at Wednesday’s game:
http://i30.tinypic.com/2lxgv8z.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/carlococozza/16042008116.jpg
good luck against united
Titi186 // Apr 17, 2008 at 22:09
Hey its your old annoyance Titi186
Thanks again for a great site but I was wondering, lately you seem to have 50+ responses for each article you right where everyone voices their own opinions which is great but somtimes I wonder if you would be better off with a forum type website where everything would be a bit more organised into sections?
I know that you already spend a lot of time and effort in maintainnig this site and I am grateful trust me, but perhaps in the long run would you better off turning the site into a forum type site and would it be less/more work involved in the maintenence side of it? And besides you may make a little money in the process with donations and all…
Nic // Apr 17, 2008 at 23:29
Thanks Whitedoghunch - Celtic fans have an excellent sense of humour.
Titi - I recognise it is not always the most organised ‘forum’. But at present I like the blog format and have no plans to start a forum. In the future everything is possible and I will keep it in mind as a possible project. Thanks for the input.
Rafael // Apr 18, 2008 at 4:48
I cant believe Ronnie is out against Man U!!
If he does leave at the end of the season, it would be nice to see him play well against Man U as some sort of farewell.
blaugranaboy // Apr 18, 2008 at 11:28
nic dont make this into a forum. i hate forum set ups, this is far far better.
Lorenzinho // Apr 18, 2008 at 15:48
second that, this is far, better! I rather the control of your articles and our opinion on them. This is much structured than a forum.
whitedoghunch // Apr 18, 2008 at 16:23
thought you might enjoy a look at the Celtic blog I write on and it’s format. It’s actually where I first found yourselves:
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/
Taras // Apr 18, 2008 at 21:14
Nic- The format of the site is great, please don’t change it. It is easy to read news and post comments.
blaugranafan // Apr 19, 2008 at 0:07
Nic–what’s your choice for a back line vs. Man Utd? If Marquez is fit, how do you feel about Abidal, Milito, Marquez, and Puyol from left to right? Zambro is the only player you’ve given an average rating of below 6 for CL games. I’m very worried cronaldo is going to take him to school.
Nic // Apr 19, 2008 at 1:19
Blaugranafan - you forget that Puyol is suspended for the game. If Marquez is fit which he seems to be I’d go with Zambrotta-Marquez-Milito-Sylvinho (right-left)
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