Red Giant
JF-Expert Member
- Mar 9, 2012
- 15,657
- 20,967
japo wanakoseaga sana, barcablaugranes.com wanatabiri hivi mechi ya kesho.
BARCELONA
The good news is that FC Barcelona can welcome Javier Mascherano back from suspension; the Argentine is expected to slot straight back into the starting line-up alongside Gerard Pique, who was rested for the weekend’s win over Eibar at the Ipurua. There is a chance that Aleix Vidal could also rotate back into the line-up after his cameo appearance on Sunday, but I would suspect that the substitution is more likely to indicate that Sergi Roberto will retain his usual spot at right-back. Meanwhile, Lucas Digne is likely to get the nod at left-back, as Enrique continues to promote the healthy competition brewing on the left-side of defense.
In midfield, the injury to Sergio Busquets may not be as bad as it first seemed, but it does leave the Blaugrana short of options at pivote. Javier Mascherano could move forward to play in the role he typically occupies for Argentina, but whether that is seen as an adequate replacement given the different style employed in Catalunya remains to be seen. I suspect that the pivote spot will instead be reserved in this instance for Andre Gomes. I’d love to see Sergio Roberto given a shot there, but that would perhaps be an experiment best left for the weekend and Real Betis.
In the two interior roles, I would have loved to have seen Rafinha Alcantara back in action, but his continued absence alongside Andres Iniesta on the treatment table instead presents an opportunity either for Ivan Rakitic, in what could easily flex to a 4-2-3-1, or for Denis Suarez who has impressed at times this season. Arda Turan is the obvious replacement for Iniesta in the other interior role, and it’s nice to see the Turkish international get the minutes that his form deserves.
In attack, I will continue to predict a start for Paco Alcacer until I’m correct – so Alcacer, Lionel Messi and Neymar is my predicted frontline, even though I know full well than the MSN will start and rotate out in the second half.
BARCELONA
The good news is that FC Barcelona can welcome Javier Mascherano back from suspension; the Argentine is expected to slot straight back into the starting line-up alongside Gerard Pique, who was rested for the weekend’s win over Eibar at the Ipurua. There is a chance that Aleix Vidal could also rotate back into the line-up after his cameo appearance on Sunday, but I would suspect that the substitution is more likely to indicate that Sergi Roberto will retain his usual spot at right-back. Meanwhile, Lucas Digne is likely to get the nod at left-back, as Enrique continues to promote the healthy competition brewing on the left-side of defense.
In midfield, the injury to Sergio Busquets may not be as bad as it first seemed, but it does leave the Blaugrana short of options at pivote. Javier Mascherano could move forward to play in the role he typically occupies for Argentina, but whether that is seen as an adequate replacement given the different style employed in Catalunya remains to be seen. I suspect that the pivote spot will instead be reserved in this instance for Andre Gomes. I’d love to see Sergio Roberto given a shot there, but that would perhaps be an experiment best left for the weekend and Real Betis.
In the two interior roles, I would have loved to have seen Rafinha Alcantara back in action, but his continued absence alongside Andres Iniesta on the treatment table instead presents an opportunity either for Ivan Rakitic, in what could easily flex to a 4-2-3-1, or for Denis Suarez who has impressed at times this season. Arda Turan is the obvious replacement for Iniesta in the other interior role, and it’s nice to see the Turkish international get the minutes that his form deserves.
In attack, I will continue to predict a start for Paco Alcacer until I’m correct – so Alcacer, Lionel Messi and Neymar is my predicted frontline, even though I know full well than the MSN will start and rotate out in the second half.
