You’ll be pleased to hear that Toure Yaya and Bojan Krkic have overcome their physical problems and return to the squad for tomorrow night’s game with Celtic. Giovani and Edmilson have been left out to make way, while Rafa Marquez has still not got over his foot injury.
Celtic will have Scott Brown back in midfield after he missed the game at Celtic Park through suspension, and manager Gordon Strachan will have to decide between Paul Hartley, Massimo Donati and Barry Robson to play alongside him in midfield. There is a possibility that Georgios Samaras will play up front in place of either Scott McDonald or the other guy with the ridiculously long name. However, it is in defence again where Strachan has most problems and he will have to decide whether to play youngster Paul Caddis or Mark Wilson at right back and also choose between Gary Caldwell and Darren O’Dea to play at centre half alongside Stephen McManus. The danger for Barça to watch will again be tricky left winger Aiden McGeady who provided the cross for Celtic’s second goal in the game at Celtic Park.
Celtic have an appalling record away from home in the Champions League and have lost 15 out of 16 games on their travels. However, the only draw they got was at Camp Nou when the sides met in 2004, and last season they caused AC Milan a few worries at the San Siro before finally losing 1-0 to a late goal. Having lost the first match with Barça, Celtic may decide to throw caution to the wind and come out attacking, but I think it is more likely they will try to keep things tight for the first hour and then attack if they are still in with a chance. Strachan summed up his team’s chances by saying he wouldn’t bet his house on Celtic getting through; well I’ve got news for him: I wouldn’t bet my house on Barça either.
Both Toure and Messi seem certain to return to the starting lineup, but it remains to be seen which of the other three fantasticos will be left out. Deco could also return at the expense of either Xavi or Iniesta. On current form I’d rather see Deco on the bench along with Thierry Henry, but at the moment it is anyone’s guess what Rijkaard might be thinking.
If Bojan Krkic plays a part in the game it will be his final opportunity to break the record as the youngest ever scorer in the Champions League. Hopefully Barça will be winning comfortably and then Rijkaard might decide to give him a chance. However, it may very well not be an easy night and if Celtic were to score first, the atmosphere in Camp Nou could work against the team. Barça need to treat the game with the seriousness it deserves and not fall into the trap of complacency.
Barça’s 18-man squad: Valdés, Pinto, Zambrotta, Puyol, Thuram, Milito, Abidal, Sylvinho, Toure, Xavi, Deco, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Messi, Eto’o, Bojan, Henry, Ronaldinho.
Possible starting XIs:
Barça: Valdés; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Deco, Toure, Iniesta; Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.
Celtic: Boruc; Caddis, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Robson, Brown, McGeady; McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink.
My Prediction: Barça 3 Celtic 1
20 responses so far ↓
Blaugrana // Mar 3, 2008 at 23:04
I would bet my house to let us go through, barça 2-0 celtic. Som la gent blaugrana!
bobby // Mar 4, 2008 at 0:14
FRANK dude how do u let giovanni out again he can give you results in the second half…. against celtics gio couldve show what he really is but if they dont let him play how does he want him to become an aguero or a messi…..
ronni is back and messi should start 2-1 barca messi both goals
blaugranafan // Mar 4, 2008 at 3:25
It’s my birthday tomorrow + Olegeur is not available for selection = Barca are going to roll!
It’s so nice to see R10 enjoying himself again.
Rafael // Mar 4, 2008 at 5:16
My XI:
Valdes, Abidal, Puyol, Milito, Zambrotta, Yaya, Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Messi, Eto’o.
I think Barca will be ok for this game. Hopefully Rijkaard doesn’t think we’re comfortable and sticks to a logical formation.
Blaugrana // Mar 4, 2008 at 5:45
Oh i 4got my 1st 11:valdz,zambrta,puyi,thram,sylvnho,iniesta,yaya,xavi,R10,E9,M19
Vorksi // Mar 4, 2008 at 6:27
even with our shaky defence i think it’ll be 3-1 for us
pep // Mar 4, 2008 at 9:38
“You’ll be pleased to hear that Toure Yaya and Bojan Krkic have overcome their physical problems ” : Touré didn’t have physical problems, Nic, he was just left out cause of rotation reasons.
We should be able to control this game, althoug not starting with an arrogant attitude, please. With Villareal, I would rest some players or take them off if qualification is almost sure.
Nic // Mar 4, 2008 at 9:55
Pep - the Toure back problem was reported in various papers in the end. whether there is any truth to it neither you nor I can say.
Alabi // Mar 4, 2008 at 10:03
Hi nic,i guess 3-0 in favour of barca wit d returnin of messi $ yaya back into d squad.i tips messi and eto’o 4 d goals.Barca (more than a club)
pep // Mar 4, 2008 at 12:01
If we cannot know it’s true, why mentioning it then…
Fact is that there wasn’t a report of the medical staff which is very usual in such a case. Bojan was also left out but there it was for medical reasons. The offcial announcement of the list for today clearly states that he was left out for technical reasons (”que no entró en la última convocatoria por decisión técnica”), like Giovani and Edmilson are left out for tonight for the same reasons.
Breaking news: Milito is out for tonight.
Taras // Mar 4, 2008 at 13:26
I think 2:2 draw. I just have such a feeling. pep- why is Milito out?
pep // Mar 4, 2008 at 14:48
Because he apparently had a bad night due to fever, Taras.
FCB - Canada // Mar 4, 2008 at 16:46
4-0 Baaarca!
By the way is this the last game in which Bojan can score to become the youngest player to play in CL?
FCB - Canada // Mar 4, 2008 at 16:47
Oops I meant score in CL.
Taras // Mar 4, 2008 at 18:28
Yes, FCB - Canada, this is his last chance.
Lonny-Barca // Mar 4, 2008 at 19:27
Barcelona will win tonight i’m super about this and i guess that they will not disappoint us :D.
I think that the game will finished with result : 3-1 for Barca of course :D.
Nic // Mar 4, 2008 at 19:28
Nic // Mar 4, 2008 at 19:44
Barça’s team just announced:
Valdes, Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Sylvinho, Xavi, Toure, Deco, Messi, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.
So it’s Abidal, Iniesta and Henry who are “rested” today.
FCB - Canada // Mar 4, 2008 at 20:38
7 mins to kickoff. I really hope the Barca players can help Bojan get a goal.
Taras // Mar 4, 2008 at 21:44
NO!!! Messi is badly injured again!!! He was crying while walking off the field!!!
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