Hercules vs Barcelona Match Preview
It's pay back time for Barcelona and the perfect opportunity to correct their only mistake in La Liga's first half. Hercules' victory at the Camp Nou back in September shocked everyone, but the defeat made Barcelona even stronger and the undisputed leader knows the crowds won't accept anything but a victory.
Barcelona has won the last 14 Liga games, a truly impressive record. Hercules' most creative midfielder Royston Drenthe will not be part of the squad, greatly undermining Blanquiazules' attack. To make things even worse, Abraham Paz and Noe Pamarot are both struggling with injuries, making way for Mohammed Sarr and Sergio Rodriguez to control the ball.
Barcelona's captain Carles Puyol will once again be watching the game from the bench, while Brazilian international Daniel Alves returns to the starting eleven. Sergio Busquests, Xavi and Andres Iniesta will look forward to dominate the midfield, leaving Hercules' David Trezeguet and Nelson Haedo Valdez isolated in the attack.
Lio Messi's fury will most surely be decisive for the outcome of the game. David Villa and Pedro can pose a serious threat, specially considering that between the three of them they've already scored 70 goals this season.
Midweek's sound victory 5-0 over Almeria for Copa del Rey gave Barcelona the needed confidence after falling 3-1 in the previous leg with Real Betis. Another victory secures the top for Barcelona for two more weeks, will they make it?