CL: Barca - Man City 1-0 (3-1 agg.)

[Ghostmaster]

My predicted lineup too, and i hope lucho starts with this one. No surprise like mathieu at LB and Masch at DM.

It dependns on whether Lucho has ditched his "we have to unpredictable every game" approach, I still think he might be tempted to use double pivot with Busi and Mascherano.

 

[Barcaman]

Really hope Iniesta doesn't start. I know he can raise his game but he didn't deserve to start this game let alone wear that armband.

 

[Ghosting]

It dependns on whether Lucho has ditched his "we have to unpredictable every game" approach, I still think he might be tempted to use double pivot with Busi and Mascherano.

Double pivot just doesn't work because we dominate possession and so Busi nearly always ends up being a CM which he can't do.

 

[Zinedinho]

Classic!

What I didn't like about the team the other day was more psychological than tactical. I don't like how some players deal with frustration while they should always focus on playing as a team, especially in those games where space is difficult to find. Today I think we will have a better chance to score at least one goal. I'm happy about many aspects, but I'm still worried about our defensive performance. I think this Barça is becoming a very good team, but a bit unpredictable. Anyway, at this stage there doesn't seem to be a single consistent top team.

Mi prediction: 2-2.

 

[hardyboy]

i can see Lucho starting Xavi this game...

 

[JamDav1982]

It dependns on whether Lucho has ditched his "we have to unpredictable every game" approach, I still think he might be tempted to use double pivot with Busi and Mascherano.

Cant see it as he will want the Masch/Pique partnership which has performed in a lot of big games in the past and even against Man City last year they were possibly Barcas two best players in this fixture.

 

[Egert]

Pellegrini (coach Man City): "The battle for possession will be crucial. A game without rhythm would be better for Barça."

 

[Gohan]

If Lucho does not mess with the line up I have a big feeling the odds will be in our favour. We have a striker upfront that knows his way around with English teams and we have a world class winger that could decide the game at any moment and to finish the trident we have Messi who is performing outstanding this season.

I think Lucho and the players realize that the Champions League is a different stage and we will definitely step up our game. Can't wait for the match to start.

 

[Ghostmaster]

Double pivot just doesn't work because we dominate possession and so Busi nearly always ends up being a CM which he can't do.

Yeah, but on the other hand we would be safer at the back, less vulnerable to counters.

 

[JamDav1982]

Yeah, but on the other hand we would be safer at the back, less vulnerable to counters.

That wasnt the case against Valencia when tried to play with double pivot and you are also taking Masch out the back line and losing his organisation and ability to cover at back.

So in reality not even sure to be less vulnerable to counters overall.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

Barcelona Champions League quarter final action... this is what it's all about. Today we should get a little more clarity about this team. Visça Barça!!!

 

[Dan1983]

CL is back and I love it I think we will draw with City tonight though.

 

[Ghostmaster]

That wasnt the case against Valencia when tried to play with double pivot and you are also taking Masch out the back line and losing his organisation and ability to cover at back.

So in reality not even sure to be less vulnerable to counters overall.

I remember that we conceded against PSG with double pivot on counters, however we haven't conceded against Valencia. And we won both times we played double pivot.

 

[Afro]

Really excited for this game now. Just got the feeling that Barca will explode on to the scene tonight.

Only issue for me is midfield. Iniesta has totally been off the boil this season. Rafinha in there for the "wildcard" pick, anyone?

 

[Bucky]

I wish it would kick off already, the bias media here is out f'n standing. Seems to be quite a buzz on Sky that Citeh will take Barça. Hell, they're even saying the surrounding ground etc is starting to feel like Barcelona what with the academy, the bridge from stadium to palace and the stadium itself, whist not being as big as Camp Nou, is "getting there".