So our first oppent is Deportivo Alavés from the Segunda B.

Easy path until the quarters where we will probably find Malaga or Athletic.
Madrid also easy until quarters where they'll probably meet Valencia. We would face the evil in semis.
In the other part, Sevilla or Atletico Madrid seem the favourites to reach the final.

I think Atletico make a very good cup team, if they are serious about reaching the final you got think they will make it.

And in the final, I think they may even have a decent chance depending on injuries and things like this.

What players do you guys believe will play this match?
Villa maybe? Tello, Sergi Roberto Pinto etc.

Pinto
Montoya Bartra Mascherano Alba
Song
JDS Roberto
Tello Alexis Villa

I'd like to see this. Rafinha, Deulofeu and Luis Alberto on the bench.

Was trying to come up with a good midfield. We need Thiago back! I feel we always need one of Xavi, Thiago or Busquets in the team because they consistently make 80+ passes at about 95%. They just add a different level of composure and help our possession game immeasurably.

Iniesta of course is special, but not the same type of player. Though he could probably do it.

I wanted: Roberto-Song-Cesc... but I feel that team is faaaar too direct... So I've given JDS the job because surely the kid gets a chance here...

Cesc will play, Song will be cb and Buscuit will be dm like usual, Alexis might be rested considering he is late like Messi to practice, Pedro could start along with Tello and Villa.

Donuts wrote:Cesc will play, Song will be cb and Buscuit will be dm like usual, Alexis might be rested considering he is late like Messi to practice, Pedro could start along with Tello and Villa.

Wrong game dude...

Would've liked it if Atletico and Real Madrid would've faced each other before us having to play against either of them. If Atletico can hold onto Falcao untill next summer, they will have to make it to the final. The (obvious) biggest threads to them are all on the other side.

BarcaKizz wrote:

Donuts wrote:Cesc will play, Song will be cb and Buscuit will be dm like usual, Alexis might be rested considering he is late like Messi to practice, Pedro could start along with Tello and Villa.

Wrong game dude...

haha my bad.

Gee, would like to retain the cup though focusing on CL and League is the priority atm. Pinto will start in goals. Barta should and will play alongside either Masch or Song... Alba maybe at left back though Planas is a option. JDS will hopefully play alongside either Roberto or maybe Thiago if fit. Villa will play as it will be a great opportunity for him to gain minutes on the pitch and help him recover fully 100%. Tello on one wing and Deuf on the other. Sanchez may play though probably not imo

So... Teams for this one?

Wouldn't be surprised to see Alves play as he's been injured but probably I'd still go with Montoya and play Alves on the weekend. He'll be fine.

Bartra is a shoe-in. Probably alongside Song or Masch. I guess it depends on whether they still believe in Song being a CB.

Adriano probably to play LB after Alba played again.

I'm happy with the idea of Song/Busi, JDS and Roberto. The latter 2 have waited patiently.

This game would be good for Villa's confidence but he played on the weekend so I doubt he'll start. Likely good for Alexis' confidence too... Hopefully he's better against this rubbish team.

Tello will start and then probably Cesc or Messi up front.

Pinto
Montoya Bartra Masch Adri
Song
Roberto JDS
Tello Cesc Alexis

The Franchise wrote:I think Atletico make a very good cup team, if they are serious about reaching the final you got think they will make it.

And in the final, I think they may even have a decent chance depending on injuries and things like this.

Completely agreed. See them reaching the final as well.

Every game from quarters onwards should be pretty cracking for us. I'm predicting Malaga, Madrid, Atleti.

Squad traveling for the match (No Leo, VV, Xavi, Alba or Pedro)

Pinto, Oier, Alves, Montoya, Song, Adriano, Mascherano, Bartra, Dos Santos, Sergio, Iniesta, Cesc, Sergi Roberto, Tello, Villa y Alexis

No Leo? I guess his son it's about to be born, this time for real.

free_cat wrote:No Leo? I guess his son it's about to be born, this time for real.

You are probably right as he just got mini Golden Shoe for him

free_cat wrote:No Leo? I guess his son it's about to be born, this time for real.

Told her to wait till there was a crappy game

jiopsi wrote:

no Leo!!! yes!!! I'm all for not having him overused. Last season he played a little too much for my liking.

Tello, Villa Alexis up front should be enough

Hope this means we might see Alexis playing in Leo's role and maybe, just maybe, see him shine in a Barça shirt

For some reason I see Cesc starting.

If Cesc starts tomorrow then Iniesta will definately play. If Iniesta plays tomorrow then Cesc definately starts on the weekend.
My conspiracy...
-------------------Pinto---------------------
Montoya--Barta--Mascherano-Adriano
--------------------Song-------------------
-----------Roberto--------JDS-----------
---Tello----------Alexis------------Villa---
If neither starts then its a flick of the coin though most like Cesc will be benched...

Sport is reporting the following:

I have a feeling Sanchez will play mid, with villa LW, and Tello RW

Donuts wrote:For some reason I see Cesc starting.

I hate being right.

We are playing something like:

Pinto
Alves Bartra Mascherano Montoya
Roberto Busquets Cesc
Alexis Villa Iniesta

I don't like the lineup at all and I don't understand why we aren't playing some B players instead of half the team out of position.

Machete just looked like a fool vs a second division B forward...

Nice goal from Iniesta after an Alaves player tryed to be too smart dribling in his box and Cesc stole the ball.