Jornada 15 Real Betis - Barcelona

Date: Sunday, 12/09/2012 21:00
Referee: Velasco Carballo


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Betis has played great this season, they have great attack, but they are leaking goals also. Somewhat like Barca has been. Nevertheless, Barca has won Betis in Seville only two times past 13 years, so need to go with the best current team. Players that were rested will obviously play, Alves if he's fit, Montoya otherwise.

Yeah, we have to go with a strong side. Would play Villa though, although I don't think it will happen, and I don't think Mascherano is playing better than Puyol, but Puyol played vs. Benfica so I guess your lineup will be the one playing.

I guess it is too much for Villa to start as a forward and not Iniesta?

I actually cant wait for Alexis to get back, that way just out of sheer numbers Tito has to start using 3 forwards.

Before anyone says it, I do understand we got 2 or 3 results with Iniesta as a "forward", im aware.

While Cesc is performing like he is Dani i can't see it changing tbh.

That is until Nerman arrives anyway

Perhaps.

But once Alexis come back, are we really going to have all but 1 of Pedro, Alexis, Tello and Villa all on the bench? Not to mention Cuenca isnt far away.

Playing two of them at least gets everyone involved, everyone having minutes.

Anyway, I doubt Cesc will play like this forever, he has had streaks of great form before and then gone back to looking like he doesnt get it.

We will see I guess.

Don't think Messi will start tbh. Just got that feeling. If he doesn't than Fab will play false 9 with Pedro and Villa on the wings...

With or without Messi the team has to put 110% to win this game. I always find Betis dangerous to the point that i admire them in the way they play big shots.

I find that when we play without Messi, the game moves slower and that means we do not play as risky as normal
so I expect a simple 1-0 or 2-0 but nothing crazy, like when Spain plays.

Pepe Mel and his team are always prepared tactically and give 100% on the pitch and they have a good home record against Barça. They are on a good form even though a bit lucky to beat Deportivo last week but getting all the 3 points at Riazor and their position in the league proves how seriously they should be taken. Their defence has been poor this season but they have more than made up for it with good attacking football.

Main concern for Barcelona would be their defence. Not sure if Mascherano is going to play as CB as opposed to Adriano, I've seen Vilanova switching to the Brazilian against faster, more direct opponents. Rubén Castro has been on form as been Arsenal loanee, Joel Campbell, who's going to make Montoya stay in his own half. Beñat will be key to Betis's midfield and on his good day he can make things happen against any team.

Squad for the game: Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Piqué, Cesc, Puyol, Xavi, Villa, Iniesta, Alexis, Messi, Thiago, Mascherano, Busquets, Pedro, Alba, Adriano, Song y Tello.

So no Montoya.

Dani Alves and Alexis back, good news.

Lineup

Barça: Valdes; Adriano, Piqué, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Cesc; Pedro, Messi, Iniesta

Iniesta on the wing in spite of Alexis being back?

Mascherano-Pique Did Puyol pick up a knock?

Adriano as a RB? Don't like him there, would prefer to see Montoya there if Alves is not match fit.

I'm not sure if Cesc is suited to this match but we'll see. I just can't help but think Betis will pressure Barcelona high up and Cesc is not the man you want to rely on in midfield.

Valdés; Adriano, Pique, Puyoll, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Cesc, Messi and Iniesta.

sport.es

That is right. Puyol is playing.

BarrileteCosmico wrote:Iniesta on the wing in spite of Alexis being back?

Mascherano-Pique Did Puyol pick up a knock?

Adriano as a RB? Don't like him there, would prefer to see Montoya there if Alves is not match fit.

monyoya stayed back in Catalunya.

alves, alexis are just back from injury.

villa.....well....ever since his beef with messi went public, he is no longer a starter!

Villa started vs Benfica and is not fit enough to start 2 games in a week. No need to exaggerate gondov.

BarrileteCosmico wrote:Villa started vs Benfica and is not fit enough to start 2 games in a week. No need to exaggerate gondov.

LOL

Messi doesnt do well with villa upfront.

Just wait and see, once villa leaves at the end of the season, the truth will come out, in a book, I presume.

Right, the myths that everyone denied are actually true. It couldn't be that Villa is getting off a long term injury and has not recovered his best fitness level yet. It's Messi, he's telling Tito not to play Villa. :scroll:

Cesc has been subbed for Alexis?

and mascherano for puyol??? to subs at halftime?? that's weird...

free_cat wrote:Cesc has been subbed for Alexis?

Cesc is injured 3-4 weeks.

Happened in first half????
What about puyol?