Lliga: Sporting Gijon - FC Barcelona 0-1

[Myrmecophile]

Right, let's do this. A tough fixture last season which we drew.

[impeh]

well, im guessing Pique will come back in next to Puyol, which will definitely tighten up the defence. (although he didnt get any game time tonight?)

wouldnt surprise me if Keita starts again though, maybe cesc in for thiago.

1-3 win.. Villa to continue scoring and grab a couple of them.

[coolasif]

Mash has taken part in almost every single match this season.So he deserves a rest now.Give fontas another opportunity and partner him with Pique.We will be fine for this match.

[Bilal Khan]

Fontas ? at Gijon away? no thanks, Pique and Puyol ! along with adriano and abidal.
let alves and badger rest.
xavi sergio cesc
Pedro Messi Villa

also sub messi at around 60-70 min mark. though it wont happen.

[coolasif]

According to elmundo deportivo & sport, Puyol suffered a minor injury against BATE last night.He is a serious doubt for the match against Sporting Gijon.I think Puyol will hardly play full 90 mins this season as age is catching him.If either Pique or Mash is ruled out for any major match we will be in serious trouble.

So IMO we should sign Cahill in January as he would the only recognized CB in search for a move in winter transfer window.

[jairzinho]

Gijon is always a tough place to play, but i expect 3 points and nothing less. i'm not being arrogant . but Gijon is last and hasn't won a single game as yet. Even Messi has scored more goals than their entire team which is just 2.

------------------------------VALDEZ--------------------------------
----ADRIANO--------PIQUE----------------MASCH----------ABIDAL---
------------CESC-------------BISCUITS------------THIAGO----------
------------------PEDRO-----------------VILLA-----------------------
-------------------------------MESSI----------------------------------

More Rotation. I would give Dani a rest and play Adriano at RB. Does anyone realise we're stretched like spandex up front .No Ibi and no Alexis, which means we have no natural replacements for any of the front 3.

[Bojan]

Puyol picked up a knock and is doubtful. Pique should be there to cover though

[mitkoa7x]

Normaly they are pretty solid against Barca but in the current state they are in... 99% we will get the 3 points IMHO.

[Clockwise]

Gijon has lost all matches played except the last one that was draw.

Preciado

[Clockwise]

that does not mean I want them to win this one though... :S

[coolasif]

Gijon has lost all matches played except the last one that was draw.

Preciado

How is Botia performing in the defence?
Is he good enough to bring him back?

[Bojan]

Sporting coach Manuel Preciado joking: "Guardiola will play with 4 defenders at El Molinon because he's afraid of us."

[Onuphrius]

Just because of that comment we should go with 3-4-3 and kill them

[estranged]

Sporting coach Manuel Preciado joking: "Guardiola will play with 4 defenders at El Molinon because he's afraid of us."

preciado

I was really impressed by their bus parking last season, to be honest he is sort of right. anybody remember the goal they scored against us last season, or how they beat real? both on the counter attack, coupled with their ability to defend well we must be careful not to concede early on, the longer they defend the more they will tire and will most likely concede.
Pep will play 4-3-3.

[Bojan]

@ Onuphrius
He was joking. Preciado is actually very good friends with pep.
Not to mention when he called Mou a scoundrel