Lliga: FC Barcelona - Elche 3-0

[serghei]

I expect Messi to score at least two, maybe even three. To start off with a bang!

 

[instinct]

Yep, good chance we'll see Munir play with Neymar out with the Grade 1 ankle sprain...Any update on Pedro's condition?

He did some specific work today. Still doubtful for Sunday's game.

 

[Antimadridista1]

I expect Messi to score at least two, maybe even three.

This is what we said before every match since his return from Rosario in January. I think that the only hat trick he scored was against Madrid.

 

[instinct]

This is what we said before every match since his return from Rosario in January. I think that the only hat trick he scored was against Madrid.

Against Osasuna too

 

[serghei]

This is what we said before every match since his return from Rosario in January. I think that the only hat trick he scored was against Madrid.

This season he'll play better. Having a coach who can inspire the players makes all the difference in the world. Tata just let them do what they wanted. That doesn't work for great teams, sooner or later you will lose the locker room if you don't show leadership or strenght of character.

 

[te amo barca]

Against Osasuna too

He also had a hat-trick vs Ajax in autumn

 

[barcanuck]

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blog...lche-suarez-absent-defence-key-151830147.html

Some interesting stats and facts at the end. I found this particularly revealing:



If I'm reading that stat correctly, that's pretty amazing: 1 out of 4 goals against Barça came from corners, the worse record defending corners in the league. That's 8 out of the 33 goals conceded over the season, some of which resulted in a loss or draw. Let's say Mathieu and Vermaelen can save 4 out of those 8- that would be HUUUGE.

As far as Elche, they drew Barça 0-0 at home in their last encounter. However, that was at the end of the season fighting to avoid relegation against a flaccid Barça. They've had a large turnover, and they are playing at Camp Nou against a fresh Barça. I don't see them getting a result, no matter how defensive they play.

Another addition this season in the weapons against buses is the outside shooting of Rakitic (and Suarez). Barça, as usual, will have no problem getting to the opponent box, and a few hammered outside shots may be all it takes to grab a goal and unlock the game.

No shock there playing with 3 guys under 5 foot 9 (Alba, Alves and Masche or even Montoya and Adriano as backups) for 95% of the games will do that.

 

[Flavia]

The thing is we have 5 players who can play CB -- Pique, Bartra, Mathieu, Vermaelen and Mascherano. Out of those 5, the guys that are in the best form should play, no matter their age or if they are native CBs or converted CBs.

But we can start Bartra against Elche and play with Mathieu and Mascherano against Villareal.

I think JamDav is right on this one. Masch is more experienced, and Mathieu is adapting, so starting Masch makes sense.

 

[kidfish]

Lucho not only should but must play the CB's in their position and keep Masch to CDM. This is the only way to keep our guys confidence high in their roles. With a lot of games coming rotation should be good between Busi n Masch!

 

[linetty]

Lucho not only should but must play the CB's in their position and keep Masch to CDM. This is the only way to keep our guys confidence high in their roles. With a lot of games coming rotation should be good between Busi n Masch!

I don't think Masch at DM would perform as well for us as he did for Argie at the World Cup. Personally, I'd prefer to see Samper rotating with Busquets for the easier games or coming in for Busi when we already have a win secured.

 

[kidfish]

Perhaps not but the only way to find out is to play him enough to get him confident as CDM

 

[barcanuck]

If Masch starts at DM I'm going to lose my shit. I mean what's the point of buying CB's when you still play a very good DM at CB?

 

[linetty]

A tournament is totally different than a regular season. He was beasting it up at the World Cup but these tournaments are no indication.

 

[Gohan]

Anyone have a clue of how Lucho will play? I heard things like a 3-5-2 with Pedro as a wingback. Or Messi as a 10 playing behind two forwards. Most of the pre-season we saw the classic 4-3-3 but isn't it time for change.

 

[Flavia]

Anyone have a clue of how Lucho will play? I heard things like a 3-5-2 with Pedro as a wingback. Or Messi as a 10 playing behind two forwards. Most of the pre-season we saw the classic 4-3-3 but isn't it time for change.

Trainings are behind closed doors now. Nothing like last season, when Tata let md and sport publish the lineups beforehand. So we don't know what he'll do.

Pedro had gastroenteritis and just joined the trainings today, so I don't think he'll start.