Soccer Extreme : Barcelona’s game against Mallorca touched record heights in terms of possession with stats ranging in close to the 90% at times. Yet, almost to serve as an example of how possession does not necessarily translate into victories, Mallorca managed to find their goal whilst Barcelona could not add any to Messi’s opener.It was a beautiful game to watch but very frustrating for Barca fans who could not believe their team wasting some clear opportunities. Krkic was particularly wasteful whilst Dani Alves could not manage a decent cross into the box. He requires revision classes tutored by his Barcelona counter-part on the left side Abidal.
Barcelona have now dropped to fourth after Villareal, Real Madrid and Valencia won their respective games. The latter will be visiting and Barcelona will want to rediscover the same mindset they had when they set themselves out against Atletico Madrid. It is curious to note how the Blaugrana have only dropped points at home until now – a loss against Hercules and a draw against Mallorca. Both teams which should have never dreamed of getting points from the Nou Camp. So is there a problem with Barcelona?
Judging by their game against Mallorca there really is no reason why to sound the alarm bells. The ball simply could not go past the goal line. At times it happened to Real Madrid this season as well but ultimately they proved luckier by getting that one goal which increased their tally by three more points.
Back home Guardiola should motivate the side well enough to help shake off any rumours. It will be Villa’s game in that he comes back from suspension in time to face his old club where he affirmed himself and scored loads of goals. Valencia visit the Nou Camp and it will be their first real test after a streak of easy games that helped them to the number one spot in la Liga. The closest they went to playing a difficult game was their Mestalla match against Atletico Madrid and they did not pass that with flying colours drawing 1-1 with the Rojiblancos.
A left ankle injury will be keeping Joaquin out of the match. He has been an important player for Los Che this season having scored two goals, making him the second highest scorer for the team in la Liga. Barcelona will themselves be without Pedro and Xavi, the latter having still traveled with the Spanish national side but unable to shrug off an Achilles tendon problem. Pedro should be back for the game at Zaragoza or the one after at home against Sevilla.
HEAD TO HEAD
Barcelona – Lionel Messi: The world’s best player endured a disappointing international break with Argentina lately, with the Biancoceleste surprisingly going down against Japan. With Valencia showing they are potent in front of goal when they get the chance, the little wizard will need to bounce back from international disappointment and show once again why he is the best at what he does.
Valencia – Juan Mata: David Silva’s exit from Valencia last summer meant that Juan Mata’s role became more and more important as an orchestrator in Los Che’s midfield. The former Real Madrid youth product has very much been on Barcelona’s radar over the past few years, and continues to be coveted at the Camp Nou. Some nifty service to Aritz Aduriz and Soldado will confirm why.
PREDICTION
Valencia will be determined to avoid defeat at the Camp Nou, but that is easier said than done. Both sides can score goals and can be expected to find the back of the net during the encounter. Yet it is Barcelona who are capable of raising their game and a suspicion persists that Los Che have yet to meet any side comparable to the champions this season. A win for Barcelona looks likely, but it won’t be routine, and could be as close as 2-1.
Barcelona versus Valencia
Saturday 16th October, 2010, at 19:00 UK Time
Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain