Match Preview: Saturday 12/01/2008 20:00 hours (GMT +1), La Liga, Match Day

FC BARCELONA ( 2nd/37pts ) - REAL MURCIA ( 9th/22pts )
Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Capacity : 98,772
Referee:


Probable Line-up:


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes ; Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Sylvinho; Xavi, Marquez, Gudjohnsen; Iniesta, Eto'o, Henry

Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Real Murcia(4-4-2): Notario; De Coz, Ochoa, Mejia, Pena; Lucas, Movilla, Pablo Garcia, Abel; Goitom, Baiano
Manager: Lucas Alcaraz


Match Preview:


FC Barcelona continue to climb the very steep mountain of ensuring they don't secure a draw in any La Liga game until further notice. A win is all that matters at this point, after league leaders Real Madrid have gone seven points clear at the top of the table and look all set to win against Levante. Barca also look all set to win against Real Murcia this evening, and will rely on good selection and pattern as well as good form from the players in order to achieve victory.


With Ronaldinho and Deco still out as well as Toure Yaya absent but from national duty and from suspension, a watered down, yet very solid Barca squad will be on parade today. Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry both look very likely to score, while Andres Iniesta looks very certain to keep upstaging opposing defenders as the brilliant 23 year-old Barca player continues to display fine form.


Murcia's coach Lucas Alcaraz will depend on speed and surprise tonight against the Catalan giants. The coach has the speed of Fernando Baiano and vastly improved defence which will hope to launch surprise counter attacks for the likes of midfielders Pablo Garcia, Abel, Movilla and De Lucas to link up with Baiano and Goitom with hopes for a goal.


At the back, ex-Real Madrid player Alvaro Mejia will fortify the Murcia defence with teammate Ochoa, who has been in good form thi season. The two defenders will be surronded by De Coz and Paco Pena on the flanks.


The team, looking quite formidable on paper, may not be formidable enough to withstand the pressure from a wounded lion that is FC Barcelona.


My Prediction:


I forsee Murcia coming out to prove they are no push-overs, but being contained by Barca. A few nervous moments may arrive for the Catalan giatnts as they will slighly fall to the assumed complacency of Murcia and then be hit with counters. However, I forsee a final score of:


FC Barcelona - Real Murcia 3 - 0