Match Preview: Saturday 09/06/2007 21:00 (GMT +1): La Liga, Match Day 37
FC BARCELONA - RCD ESPANYOL

Camp Nou, Barcelona – Capacity: 99.000
Referee:


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes - Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Gio - Iniesta (Motta), Xavi, Deco - Giuly (Iniesta), Eto´o, Messi - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Espanyol (4-4-2): Kameni - Velasco, Lacruz, Jarque, Chica - Rufete, Moises Hurtado, De La Pena, Riera - Luis Garcia, Tamudo - Manager: ernesto Valverde


Match Preview:

FC Barcelona (2nd/72 points) meets Espanyol (12th/48 points) in the ever important derby at Camp Nou. A victory is a must be and anything else dents all title hopes. At the same time, the Merengues are expected to slip in La Romareda against Zaragoza!


FC Barcelona know that they need 6 points out of their last 2 matches and this includes the derby win against Espanol. While the Periquos are save in La Liga this time, their pride is at stake. Espanyol players have not forgotten the songs from last year when the Camp Nou crowd was singing "Segunda, Segunda" at the players in Blue and White. No sweeter would be the revenge, if Espanyol would hand over the title to Real by beating Barca at Camp Nou. The confidence is there, having won the first match at Montjuic 3-1.


barca is still unbeaten at home this season, but an unlucky draw as against Betis would not be enough. They have to win and will attack right from the start. Unfortunately the deadly and successful trio of Ronaldinho, Eto´o and Messi are not teaming up. Only Messi and Eto´o will start while Ronaldinho (red) is suspended. Also Brazilian anchor Edmilson will watch from the stands (5th yellow).
Captain Puyol was rested and Xavi was suspended from Spain's midweek game. Puyol will partner Thuram in the centre of defence. Zambrotta will play on the right and Gio on the left full back position. Iniesta, Deco and Xavi could start in midfield, to prove Barca´s willingness to win, but may be Rijkaard will opt to field Motta as a defensive midfielder and sent Iniesta on the right wing for Giuly. Marquez recovered from his injury and could be an alternative in defence or defensive midfield. Giuly might start on the right wing while Messi could change to the left to replace Ronaldinho.


Espanyol could start with Kameni in goal and Luis Garcia is fit to play upfront, while Uruguayan striker Pandiani may miss out due to injury. Former Barca player Ivan de La Pena is expected to marshal the Espanyol midfield and Moises will be his cover.




My Prediction:
I have a very good feeling and I am optimistic. I have been in Camp Nou in 1992 on the last match day, when Real bottled it in Tenerife (2-3). Barca has got a good record to clinch the title in the last momments (ask the Merengues and Depor!)

Another fact that gives us all hope: the Merengues have never won the final eight La Liga matches. They have already won 6 of the last 8, so it is time to slip. I guess there is no better place and timing than at La Romareda. If Real drops points, I guess that will be the Championship for Barca.


The pressure is on Barca, but the Blaugrana will cope.


FC Barcelona - Espanyol 2-0
Zaragoza - Real 1-0!



Visca el Barca!