FC Barcelona ready to claim another three points. This time, from Levante.


Match Preview: Wednesday 29/09/2007 22:00 (GMT +1), La Liga, Match Day 6

LEVANTE UD - FC BARCELONA
Stadium:Ciudad de Valencia

Capacity :
Referee:


Probable Line-up:


FC Barcelona (4-3-3) : Valdes; Oleguer/Thuram, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Toure, Deco; Messi, Henry, Iniesta.Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Real Zaragoza (4-4-2) :

Storari; Descarga, Alvaro, Cirillo, David Castedo; Juanma, Miguel Angel, Tomassi, Savio; Rigano, Riga.
Manager : Abel Resino




Match Preview:
Since Levante's return to the top flight in 2004, Barcelona have failed to win at the Ciudad de Valencia, drawing twice even as the home side struggled with poor form. Levante currently have one point so far in the La Liga, as compared to FC Barcelona's eleven points, but history is still not favourable to Barca considering the no-win situation for the Catalan giants against Levante in Valencia over the past. This looks set to change tonight as Barca are rearing to destroy all opposition after three successive victories.


Winning tonight is very important for the Blaugrana and Levante do not seem able to stop defeat in their home ground against Barca. The four year jinx looks certain to be broken.

The Catalan giants are handicapped by injuries. Gianluca Zambrotta, Rafa Marquez, Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Edmilson are all out of the game, while Carles Puyol and Eidur Gudjohnsen are still fresh from injury. However, there's still a large reserve of quality players and effective replacements who can carry the day for Barca against any team.


Levante on their own, have recovered important defenders in Alvaro and David Castedo, while a wealth of midfield options are available to attempt to nullify the Barca threat. The granota are set to welcome back Savio, Riga and Alvaro to the fold following their midweek absence, with Shota Arveladze the sole remaining injury.


Nonetheless, there'll be much chopping and changing at Abel Resino looks for that winning formula against the rampaging Barcelona. A player to watch for Levante is Alvaro Maior. The experienced centre-back sat out the granota's heavy defeat at Osasuna midweek, much to his side's cost. The Brazilian spent three years with Real Zaragoza before arriving at the Ciudad de Valencia last season, so it's clear that he knows both Barca and the Liga inside-out.


My Prediction:
It will be a well fought out match, with Levante trying to prevent any early goals infront of their fans. The might of the Blaugrana will be too much for the struggling Valencians to hold back. A defeat for Levante looks unavoidable. In the end, I forsee:


Levante - FC Barcelona 1-3