Match Preview: Wednesday 22/11/2006 20:45 (GMT +2): Champions League, Group A, Match Day 5
FC BARCELONA - LEVSKI SOFIA

Levski Stadium, Sofia – Capacity: 43.000
Referee: Yuri Baskakov (RUS)


Probable Line-Up:

Levski Sofia (4-3-3): Mihaylov - Milanov, Topukazov, Tomasic, Lucio - Boromirov, Angelov, Eromoigbe - Telkiysky, Yoyov, Bardon - Manager: Stanimir Stoilov


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdés - Zambrotta, Marquez, Puyol, Gio (Sylvinho) - Edmilson (Motta), Iniesta (Xavi), Deco - Giuly, gudjohnsen, Ronaldinho - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Match Preview:
Barca has got it in their own hands to progress to the next round in the UEFA Champions League but therefore must win both their games to ensure qualification. No matter what Mourinho´s or Chelseas plans are: 2 wins and we go to the next round - as simple as that!


the last match FCBarcelona have won in the Champions League was the spectacular 5-0 victory over Levski Sofia on the first matchday at Camp Nou. Since then, Barca only picked up 2 out of 9 points and are now third with 2 points behind Werder Bremen.

The 5-0 hammering of Levski and Sundays 4-1 in Mallorca should be enough assurance that the European Champions are up for their task. Gudjohnsen proved that he can deliver goals, Ezquerro has shown he is there, when needed and Andres Iniesta is more than a fringe player who can fill in when needed. Iniesta is in great form and can be vital for Barca as he already was in the past, when things did not go the way Barca wanted. Iniesta is able to turn a match around.


No more added injury worries for Frank Rijkaard this week, but of course the important players Messi, Saviola and Eto'o are the wons that are desperately missing. Not sure, if Xavi will start for Iniesta, but the rest of the team pretty much picks itself. The back four with Zambrotta, Marquez, captain Puyol and Gio (with Gio being ahead of Sylvinho at the moment) is an easy guess. I suggest Edmilson will get the nod ahead of motta and may be Iniesta will start instead of Xavi, due to his great form and Deco is set. The front line picks themselves with Giuly, Gudjohnsen partnering Ronaldinho in attack and Santi Ezquerro on the bench.


Prediction:
Whoever had the chance to see Barca training on Monday will confirm that the team is absolutely motivated.

after last weekends 4-1 win, the atmosphere is positive and the confidence high.
FC Barcelona has to win the game against Levski, regardless what happens at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will rest their most important players for Saturdays clash with Manchester United and Mourinho would love to see Barca playing in the UEFa Cup for the rest of the season.


Levski will look upon this as a final chance to win some respect. they lost all their matches and even have the chance to go passed Barca if they win both remaining encounters and Barca loses them all. May be this is only statistics but for sure, the Bulgarians will not give up easy.


FC Barcelona is a big club and can handle pressure. The team has proved it so often in the past and I am confident they can put up with the pressure now. Barca plays in a different League to Levski and this should be shown tonight.


Levski - Barca 0-2



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