Match Preview: Saturday 09/09/2006 20:00 (GMT +2): La primera Liga, Match Day 2
FC BARCELONA - Osasuna

Camp Nou, Barcelona – Capacity: 99.000
Referee: Julián Rodríguez Santiago


Probable Line-Up:


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés - Zambrotta, Marquez, Puyol, Sylvinho - Motta, Xavi, Deco - Messi, Eto´o, Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Osasuna:


Match Preview:

Frank Rijkaard has made 2 changes for the Saturday evening match against Osasuna. Ronaldinho, who was injured for the first tie, comes in for Ezquerro and Sylvinho comes in for Gio for tactical reasons.


The complete list of players are: Valdes, Jorquera, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Edmilson, Silvinho, Puyol, Gudjohnsen, Eto'o, Xavi, Giuly, Motta, Oleguer, Marquez, Messi, Zambrotta, Deco and Thuram.


Ezquerro, Belletti, Gio and Saviola have not been included in the squad.


In their first home game of the season in the league, Barça will be assured of a warm welcome and expectations will once again be high. Magician Ronaldinho is back and ready to help FC Barcelona to defend their league championship title. Barca coach Frank rijkaard will sent out his team to perform, entertain and get the result, they need, so there is no pressure on Barca at this early stage.


In contrast to opponent Osasuna who lost their first match at home to Getafe 0-2. Another possible defeat at Camp Nou would leave Osasuna with 0 points and probably at the bottom of the league table.
Osasuna coach Ziganda strengthened his attack with Real Madrid Castilla striker Roberto Soldado on loan for a year, while Juanfran also moved from Madrid to Pamplona. Further players that have been added to the squad over the summer: Juanlu (Real Betis), Héctor Font (Villarreal) and Javad Nekouman (Al Sharjah FC).


Prediction:

A win is a must and anything else would be a great disappointment. Osasuna are strong and have a dangerous atttack. A solid, compact and well-organised defence will try to deny the Barca attacking line. Osasuna is not be a team that will hide themselves in the Camp Nou and for sure has the intention to score a goal. We can expect an exciting game. Ronaldinho, Messi and Co. will try to entertain their home crowd with one of their shows. Barca will score twice!


FC Barcelona - Osasuna 2:0