FC Barcelona will aim at grabbing 3 points tonight to bring their tally to 11 points.


Match Preview: Wednesday 26/09/2007 22:00 (GMT +1), La Liga, Match Day 5

FC BARCELONA - REAL ZARAGOZA
Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Capacity : 98,772
Referee:


Probable Line-up:


FC Barcelona (4-3-3) : Valdes; Zambrotta, Marquez, Gabi Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Deco; Messi, Henry, Iniesta.

Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Real Zaragoza (4-4-2) :Cesar, Diogo, Ayala, Sergio Fernandez, Paredes; D'Alessandro, Luccin, Matuzalem, Aimar; Diego Milito, Oliveira.
Manager : Victor Fernandez




Match Preview:
FC Barcelona must learn from last night's home defeat of mighty Sevilla by Espanyol after a brilliant Raul Tamudo strike. Big teams can indeed fall at home, notably in the La Liga where there doesn't seem to be an under dog.


The absence of Ronaldinho will be felt, but the likes of Messi, Henry, Giovani, Iniesta and Bojan will definitely make up for the Brazilian's role on the pitch, just as well as the team has managed without star striker, Samuel Eto'o. The biggest pressure on tonight for FC Barcelona will be their fans, who have voiced out ( and acted out ) their displeasure from the first day the La Liga commenced after the Blaugrana's 0-0 draw against Racing Santander. Nothing seems to be good enough since then.

Barcelona will come out with a formidable attacking force which will strive to eclipse the Zaragoza defence from the start, while the hunger of Thierry Henry to score more goals will an appetite Zaragoza will have to design a special force to deal with. Lionel Messi will seek to continue his brilliant showing against Sevilla and be more than a problem, while youngsters Giovani and Bojan are ready to make their presence felt more with each match played.


As for Real Zaragoza, a 2-1 win over Osasuna last weekend is a sure morale booster for Zaragoza. The Blanquillos have had mixed fortunes this season though the quad has been boosted by new signings in centre-back Roberto Ayala and Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem. The absence of Gabriel Milito is still being felt, but the midfield and defence have managed to hold their own in the absence of the Argentine. Ex-Getafe man Javier Paredes should be in top form today to make a good impression since his signing. He could start at left back instead of Juanfran. In midfield, Aimar is the focal point of the attacks and should start on the left wing, while either Gabi or D'Alessandro may play on the other side.


Zaragoza have not fared too well in continental engagement, and will look to a strong showing in the La Liga to have something worthwhile to show at the end of the season. Perhaps, starting this strong showing at the Camp Nou may not be the best place to do this, but such wishes are not outlawed, especially when a clash with FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou is unavoidable.


My Prediction:
It will be a hard-fought match with Zaragoza trying to match Barca man-for-man and move-for-move. I forsee a strong showing by Real, but a stronger showing from Barca. The score line at the end:

FC Barcelona - Real Zaragoza 2 - 0