God damnit facenside, I wanted to do this thread. Nice introduction.
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Aragorn made some valid points, and I must say that, for me, Madrid still isn't looking that great to be able to beat us. I mean, they thrashed a very weak Dynamo K. and Steaua, who fooled me by looking strong, but they just turned out to be below average. Getafe is not a serious team either, and Madrid lost. So basically, I expect us all to witness the true strength of both sides. Like Aragorn said, we played Werder, Sevilla, Chelsea and now we're playing Madrid. It's the hardest possible schedule, I'd say. I know we haven't been impressing lately, but we made the strongest start in La Liga in Rijkaard's era, and to be honest we didn't really disappoint in the CL. We drew with Werder, a strong team, and we lost to Chelsea, I'd say our biggest rival for the CL (again). That's not so bad. We got rid of both away games that were potential defeats (Germany and England) and we're still in a qualifying place. I consider that a job well done, especially since we have two home games against Chelsea and Werder, and a sure three points against Levski. I'm saying all this to prove that our form isn't as bad as it may seem. Don't forget we lost Eto'o, as well. I think we've done a good job so far, considering the effort we put in.
On the other hand, the world of Real Madrid can be so dynamic that one day Capello is being insulted and asked to leave, and then they beat a weak Steaua and they're fine. These things are misleading and I'm sure we still have the edge over Madrid. Ronaldinho showed last season that Madrid being the host isn't really an issue for Barcelona. It can almost become an advantage, which depends on the home fans. If Madrid play at their best, the fans will recognize it and support them throughout the match. However, if we're able to take control of the first part of the match, I think the crowd could get nervous and unhappy at the situation and start putting pressure on Real Madrid, and then we'll really have the upper hand. It depends on the situation, but I have faith in my team and I believe we'll win this game. We drew against Werder, and we didn't play very good. We beat Sevilla in what seemed like a referee's cut, and we lost to Chelsea, also not showing up. I almost forgot Valencia. I think we played too many big games without really overcoming the opponent.. maybe this is the game the players have been waiting for. It's the most intense match of the league and there isn't a better place for Barca to shine and show authority than against Madrid in the Bernabeu.
This would also further increase the gap...
I'm hoping to see this: Valdes, Sylvinho, Puyol, Thuram, Zambrotta, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco, Ronaldinho, Messi, Saviola.
I think we should be fine in defense as long as Gio doesn't play. Zambrotta is adapting each day, so I expect a better game than the one he had on Wednesday. I hope Puyol is ok. I want to see Thuram in this match, because I think he can really close the Madrid attack with his strength and stability.
After seeing Edmilson, it would be a joke if Iniesta doesn't play. Xavi is improving his form so a trio of IXD should play. I'd also put Saviola instead of Guddy because I want to see what he can really do in this team. Screw the goals in the US tour, I want to see him play in a more important match to know if we can count on him to score. I think Guddy hasn't shown enough to guarantee himself a place. I want to see Saviola and what he can offer.
Anyway, my prediction would be 2-3.
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Aragorn made some valid points, and I must say that, for me, Madrid still isn't looking that great to be able to beat us. I mean, they thrashed a very weak Dynamo K. and Steaua, who fooled me by looking strong, but they just turned out to be below average. Getafe is not a serious team either, and Madrid lost. So basically, I expect us all to witness the true strength of both sides. Like Aragorn said, we played Werder, Sevilla, Chelsea and now we're playing Madrid. It's the hardest possible schedule, I'd say. I know we haven't been impressing lately, but we made the strongest start in La Liga in Rijkaard's era, and to be honest we didn't really disappoint in the CL. We drew with Werder, a strong team, and we lost to Chelsea, I'd say our biggest rival for the CL (again). That's not so bad. We got rid of both away games that were potential defeats (Germany and England) and we're still in a qualifying place. I consider that a job well done, especially since we have two home games against Chelsea and Werder, and a sure three points against Levski. I'm saying all this to prove that our form isn't as bad as it may seem. Don't forget we lost Eto'o, as well. I think we've done a good job so far, considering the effort we put in.
On the other hand, the world of Real Madrid can be so dynamic that one day Capello is being insulted and asked to leave, and then they beat a weak Steaua and they're fine. These things are misleading and I'm sure we still have the edge over Madrid. Ronaldinho showed last season that Madrid being the host isn't really an issue for Barcelona. It can almost become an advantage, which depends on the home fans. If Madrid play at their best, the fans will recognize it and support them throughout the match. However, if we're able to take control of the first part of the match, I think the crowd could get nervous and unhappy at the situation and start putting pressure on Real Madrid, and then we'll really have the upper hand. It depends on the situation, but I have faith in my team and I believe we'll win this game. We drew against Werder, and we didn't play very good. We beat Sevilla in what seemed like a referee's cut, and we lost to Chelsea, also not showing up. I almost forgot Valencia. I think we played too many big games without really overcoming the opponent.. maybe this is the game the players have been waiting for. It's the most intense match of the league and there isn't a better place for Barca to shine and show authority than against Madrid in the Bernabeu.
This would also further increase the gap...
I'm hoping to see this: Valdes, Sylvinho, Puyol, Thuram, Zambrotta, Xavi, Iniesta, Deco, Ronaldinho, Messi, Saviola.
I think we should be fine in defense as long as Gio doesn't play. Zambrotta is adapting each day, so I expect a better game than the one he had on Wednesday. I hope Puyol is ok. I want to see Thuram in this match, because I think he can really close the Madrid attack with his strength and stability.
After seeing Edmilson, it would be a joke if Iniesta doesn't play. Xavi is improving his form so a trio of IXD should play. I'd also put Saviola instead of Guddy because I want to see what he can really do in this team. Screw the goals in the US tour, I want to see him play in a more important match to know if we can count on him to score. I think Guddy hasn't shown enough to guarantee himself a place. I want to see Saviola and what he can offer.
Anyway, my prediction would be 2-3.