FC Barcelona -- Copenhagen preview

FC Barcelona will be hosting Group D leaders FC Copenhagen tonight at the Camp Nou. FC København has found themselves clear on the top of group with two wins from their two matches. When the draw was made everyone expected FCBarcelona and Rubin Kazan to go throigh this group. I thought FC København was the real weak link, but they have proven me wrong. Following the inability to win in Moscow, this is a must win match for us. A failure to win this one complicates the entire qualifying campaign. Guardiola has plenty of injury woriies to ponder on. Gabriel Milito has been ruled out for two weeks, Xavi's injury most propbably will see him miss this clash and there is also doubt about Puyol's participation. If Puyol misses out on today's match, we could see once again Abidal moving into central defense. Add to that the average form of Pique in last few matches, it is definitely a worrying prospect. Xavi's injury looks more serious for me and it may not be a bad idea to rest him for a couple of matches. Iniesta has been in good form recently and should be able to run the midfield alone.

FC Copenhagen poses an Unknown Challenge to Barca

FC Barcelona players should be in the ideal mood for this match following that great come-back victory against Valencia. But they have to make sure that the team from the second half turns up in this match. Puyol may be having some injury concern but I don't see him missing this match. So we should have the usual central defnsive pairing of Puyol and Pique. Alves and Abidal should make up the rest of defense. The midfield with the absence of Xavi has to be remodelled a bit. Iniesta is expected to drop into midfield and most probably Keita and Mascherano will join him in midfield. The front trio should have the familiar look of Villa, Messi and Pedro. This is going to be a tricky match as we have not much idea about the opponents. But still I believe that they will play a much more open game than Rubin Kazan. That means we would have more space to exploit and should se ourselves winning this. I predict a 3-0 victory for us.