Lliga: Athletic Bilbao - FC Barcelona 2-2

[jairzinho]

As gr8 as Barca are playing right now, i wouldn't get too confident. Besides, a trip to San Mames is nothing to get too confident and excited about. But we should go for the win but cautiously.

[TheStig]

I think we'll see 3-4-3 formation in this one.

---------------Valdes---------
---------Alves--Pique----Masch
--------------Busquets----
----------Xavi---------Iniesta-
-----------------Cesc-------
Alexis/Cuenca--Messi--Villa

If we play 4-3-3:

----------Valdes-----
Alves--Pique--Masch--Abidal
---------Busquets-------
---Xavi--------Cesc
Villa------Messi----Iniesta

[woobie]

I just checked Athletic Club's website and there's nothing posted about any additional injuries or anyone sitting out today's training.

fyi, Barcelona will be staying at the same place I stayed at when I was in Bilbao in August. Very nice hotel.

[Trillske]

I just checked Athletic Club's website and there's nothing posted about any additional injuries or anyone sitting out today's training.

fyi, Barcelona will be staying at the same place I stayed at when I was in Bilbao in August. Very nice hotel.

Poor guys, they just missed you!

[woobie]

Haha. Seriously, the Carlton is a lovely old place. Big marble entry with columns and marble, a great bar and restaurant (incl smoked salmon at the breakfast buffet. yummo). Big windy staircase, etc etc. Rooms are very elegant (silk on walls, massive plasma tvs, etc). Nice place to stay, incidentally about a 15 minute walk to the stadium. (had I known they'd be there I might've stuck around. And FINALLY get Xavi away from XMG's basement!)

[Myrmecophile]

If we lose this it's league over imo

[mateopol]

If we lose this it's league over imo

I don't think we will lose this, but there is huge posibility that this will be a draw. Athletic always play good at San Mames against us, their midfield especially Javi Martinez isn't gonna get raped by Xaviesta. It'll be tough, we will win by one goal or draw IMO. Osasuna will fight against RM but they will be beaten.

[Bilal Khan]

If we lose this it's league over imo

lol seriously ?

[jamrock]

i agree

[Galning]

If we lose this it's league over imo

please tell me you're not serious.

[Catalonian Devil]

please tell me you're not serious.

Nah he's been on a roll lately.

In the Messi thread, the Villa thread, no idea how nobody has bit yet

[Quell]

Hope Puyol-Pique will work properly this is the weakest part now.

[adil_909]

i think we'll get a tough 1-0 win, but will not be easy. keep in mind though that madrid are likely to drop points in this fixture considering it's the one other team whose fans hate madrid as much as us.

[barcelonista]

I think we'll roll over them.

- Xavi-Iniesta rested for several matches
- Busquets played only 45 minutes last match
- Guardiola admires Bielsa and therefore probably knows him inside out
- Guardiola takes it serious as a CL final obviously, even Alves didn't play full 90 minutes last game
- Messi on fire
- Pique-Puyol back
- Sanchez back

I expect a first class performance. Most likely preparing for this game like for El Clasico.

[FCBarca]

Banana peel written all over this one considering the opposition, the coach & the forecast...Still, 4 key players return in all likelihood to the XI from some much needed rest...Will be a tense encounter, a BIG match