Match Preview: Sunday 15/10/2006 19:00 (GMT +2): La Liga, Match Day 6
FC BARCELONA - FC Sevilla

Camp Nou, Barcelona – Capacity: 99.000
Referee: César Muniz Fernández


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés - Zambrotta, Thuram, Márquez, Sylvinho (Van Bronckhorst) - Iniesta (Edmilson), Xavi, Deco - Giuly (Messi), Saviola (Gudjohnsen), Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


FC Sevilla (4-5-1): Palop - Daniel Alves, Javi Navarro, Escude, Dragutinovic (Puerta) - Navas, Poulsen, Renato, Martí, Adriano - Kanouté - Manager: Juande Ramos


Match Preview:

Barca is joint leader with Valencia on 13 points and hope that second placed Valencia drop points in their difficult away match against Celta Vigo. A deafeat over Sevilla would put Barca 4 points ahead of their Andalucian opponents. Real Madrid embarassed themselves last night gainst Getafe and is out of the picture until "El Classico" next week in Bernabeu.
What more can be said that the 3 points tonight are a must!

Assuming Valencia drops points, Barca could top the table as sole leader tonight, ahead of a very difficult fortnight. Barcelona would have five points clear ahead of next Sunday's "El Classico" clash against the Merengues at Santiago Bernabeu. All pressure would be on the "Non-Galacticos" in crisis, with Real fearing to fall 8 points behind, should they be beaten by a confident FC Barcelona. What a beautiful scenario for any Barca fan!!!


Sevilla coach Juande Ramos has cleverly declared FC Barcelona as the big favourites for the match and played down Sevilla´s chances to win against the European Champions at Camp Nou. Sevilla are expected to play the same tactics as in Monaco. They will try to defend with their lifes but hope for the lucky counter attack. Therefore Juande Ramos is expected to line up 5 midfielders with Federik Kanoute the sole entertainer upfront. Sevilla will battle in midfield, look to fight Barcelona off the ball and then try to set the vital sting.
Javi Navarro and Escude return to the squad following their suspension. Juande Ramos surprisingly left out regular David, suggesting that he is lining up Dragutinovic as left full back. Brazilian international Renato and Danish in form midfielder Poulsen will be supported by Marti and Navas (right) and Adriano (left) on the wings.


But Barca coack Frank Rijkaard will be prepared. We expect an agressive Barca midfield with Deco, Xavi and Iniesta, who are all able to drop deep but on the otherside have their offensive qualities. This will give the Barca midfield for moments of surprises and flexibility.

Upfront, we could imagine Saviola (who helped Sevilla winning the UEFA Cup 5 month ago) getting the nod ahead of Gudjohnsen, pairing up with Ronaldinho and Giuly. Even Barca coach Rijkaard stated that Sundays match against Sevilla has priority, he will have Chelsea on his mind. We expect he will rest Gudjonsen, Messi and Puyol (injury) for the Stamford Bridge encounter. We also expect that Dutch left full back Gio van Bronckhorst will be replaced by the more offensive Brazilian Sylvinho. With Puyol being rested due to a minor injury, Thuram and Marquez will form the central defense and Zambrotta and Sylvinho on the right and left full back positions.


My Prediction:
The Barca supporters have not yet forgotten the 3-0 defeat in August and will be fired up to support their team. the team will be out for revenge and every player will be motivated to win this game. Especially Ronaldinho, who had a bad game against Daniel Alves two months ago and for sure is determined to prove that this can only happen once but not twice. get it right against his compatriot this time around. With a great performance for Brazil during the week and a point to prove, he will be our match winner. I expect him to shine and he will stun us for antoher time with his outstanding skills that make him the best player in the world. I am totally convinced!


Barca definetely has to avoid any early goal against them, as they received in Monaco. This would play into Sevilla´s cards which would make it very dificult for the Barca team.


FC Barcelona will have the home advantage and as usual a ball possession of around 70%. But this time Barca will score first and then once the engine is in gear... will fly!


FC Barcelona - FC Sevilla 3-0 and a great performance from our magical No. 10. Saviola scores against his former team!


Visca el Barca!