Sevilla’s defence will be put to the test when they face giants Barcelona, empowered by the efficient pair formed by Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas upfront.
There is still a large gap at the top of La Liga table between leaders Real Madrid and second place Barcelona. 10 points are currently what separate them, but all is not over yet.
“From now on there is no turning the page after any setbacks,” Guardiola was quoted saying by the official FC Barcelona website on Friday.
Surely, this is the truth, and if the Catalans are to do things right, then they unquestionably need to make use of each and every asset they possess.
Whether in defence, in midfield or in front, Los Cules have powerful players with great techniques that enable them to throw any opposition into confusion.
Speaking of their attacking abilities, it is clear that their strength sprouts out of accuracy; and it is on that very accuracy that they have been relying to break records and reach higher levels under the Guardiola era. This is not a contestable opinion, but an unarguable verity…
Barcelona boast of having many of the world’s most sophisticated players, including the three-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, Lionel Messi. Indeed, the Argentine is at the top of his game at present, and is now transforming into the image of Barca’s supremacy.
But if he has been able to absorb his club’s hegemony and project it to the football audience, then it is because his intentions have always been to be a playmaker for his team, as well as a perfect contributor. Speaking of his role in the side, one cannot only talk about his goals. His great vision has also enabled him to share the fourth spot with teammate Cesc Fabregas in the Top Assists chart of La Liga.
Seasons back, the Messi-Fabregas pair was simply a dream for many Barcelona fans. However, it happened to turn into a reality after Pep Guardiola made one of his most important signings last summer; and there was no disappointment.
Already in the early stages of the on-going term, it seemed like the two players were familiar with each other’s style. Still, they kept working on their connection to become an inseparable pair - indispensable for their club.
Statistics published on the official FC Barcelona website revealed that Lionel Messi (50) and Cesc Fabregas (15) have so far netted almost 50% of the entire team’s goals this season. Their passing skills have been exhibited as well; with both of them having claimed 37 assists in all.
Messi nevertheless takes the edge in the passing sector, with 911 passes - 67 more than top midfielder Xavi Hernandez. Needless to say, these are no easy stats to match…
This evening, all three players - Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez - will be showing up at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to accomplish the same old mission: Get the three points and go further in La Liga title race.
Can Sevilla resist and stop the Champions League quarterfinalists from succeeding? The Andalusians have only managed to win two of their last 5 Liga games; thus, stunning a hungry and determined Barcelona side tonight will require a great deal of concentration and preparation.
“From now on there is no turning the page after any setbacks,” Guardiola was quoted saying by the official FC Barcelona website on Friday.
Surely, this is the truth, and if the Catalans are to do things right, then they unquestionably need to make use of each and every asset they possess.
Whether in defence, in midfield or in front, Los Cules have powerful players with great techniques that enable them to throw any opposition into confusion.
Speaking of their attacking abilities, it is clear that their strength sprouts out of accuracy; and it is on that very accuracy that they have been relying to break records and reach higher levels under the Guardiola era. This is not a contestable opinion, but an unarguable verity…
Barcelona boast of having many of the world’s most sophisticated players, including the three-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, Lionel Messi. Indeed, the Argentine is at the top of his game at present, and is now transforming into the image of Barca’s supremacy.
But if he has been able to absorb his club’s hegemony and project it to the football audience, then it is because his intentions have always been to be a playmaker for his team, as well as a perfect contributor. Speaking of his role in the side, one cannot only talk about his goals. His great vision has also enabled him to share the fourth spot with teammate Cesc Fabregas in the Top Assists chart of La Liga.
Seasons back, the Messi-Fabregas pair was simply a dream for many Barcelona fans. However, it happened to turn into a reality after Pep Guardiola made one of his most important signings last summer; and there was no disappointment.
Already in the early stages of the on-going term, it seemed like the two players were familiar with each other’s style. Still, they kept working on their connection to become an inseparable pair - indispensable for their club.
Statistics published on the official FC Barcelona website revealed that Lionel Messi (50) and Cesc Fabregas (15) have so far netted almost 50% of the entire team’s goals this season. Their passing skills have been exhibited as well; with both of them having claimed 37 assists in all.
Messi nevertheless takes the edge in the passing sector, with 911 passes - 67 more than top midfielder Xavi Hernandez. Needless to say, these are no easy stats to match…
This evening, all three players - Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez - will be showing up at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan to accomplish the same old mission: Get the three points and go further in La Liga title race.
Can Sevilla resist and stop the Champions League quarterfinalists from succeeding? The Andalusians have only managed to win two of their last 5 Liga games; thus, stunning a hungry and determined Barcelona side tonight will require a great deal of concentration and preparation.
