Barcelona’s last days have been almost perfect, with ten goals scored in their last two matches. They are now about to face Sporting Gijon, who may not be as harmless as one may think.
Coach Pep Guardiola might have been right to remind his team’s followers that Los Cules often “find it hard to beat Sporting because they defend very well and have an intense ground where their fans help them a lot.” There are however strange details that put into question the tightness of Gijon’s defence.
In fact, the Rojiblancos do not only occupy the bottom place; they have also conceded nine goals in only five games. This gives them a goal difference of minus seven, having scored only two league goals this season. Certainly there is nothing impressive in these quick facts. Still, it is obvious that their bad statistics will not necessary let them be supressed by third place Barca.
"Let us do everything very well and hope that Messi and company do not have their best day,” Preciado was quoted saying by Gijon’s official website.
Unlike their opponents who have gathered a single point so far though, the Catalans have hitherto collected eleven. This is enough for them to hang just below Real Betis. One mistake could nonetheless let them slip out of the Champions League zone, as they are closely followed by Levante, Sevilla and Real Madrid.
Regarding line-ups, there seems to be a lot of options for the Rojiblancos - with no injury affecting their squad. Oscar Trejo and Alberto Lora are both likely to start.
For Barcelona, Carles Puyol could make an appearance after recovering from his recent rib injury. Isaac Cuenca of Barca B has also been included in the 18-man squad whereas Cesc Fabregas, Ibrahim Afellay, Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez will simply be cheering up their teammates following their inability to perform at the moment.
Eyes will again be on Barcelona’s No. 10 playmaker, since many are wishing he can again steal the show. A goal for Lionel Messi at El Molinón will eventually turn him into the club’s second most successful scorer in history.
In fact, the Rojiblancos do not only occupy the bottom place; they have also conceded nine goals in only five games. This gives them a goal difference of minus seven, having scored only two league goals this season. Certainly there is nothing impressive in these quick facts. Still, it is obvious that their bad statistics will not necessary let them be supressed by third place Barca.
"Let us do everything very well and hope that Messi and company do not have their best day,” Preciado was quoted saying by Gijon’s official website.
Unlike their opponents who have gathered a single point so far though, the Catalans have hitherto collected eleven. This is enough for them to hang just below Real Betis. One mistake could nonetheless let them slip out of the Champions League zone, as they are closely followed by Levante, Sevilla and Real Madrid.
Regarding line-ups, there seems to be a lot of options for the Rojiblancos - with no injury affecting their squad. Oscar Trejo and Alberto Lora are both likely to start.
For Barcelona, Carles Puyol could make an appearance after recovering from his recent rib injury. Isaac Cuenca of Barca B has also been included in the 18-man squad whereas Cesc Fabregas, Ibrahim Afellay, Andres Iniesta and Alexis Sanchez will simply be cheering up their teammates following their inability to perform at the moment.
Eyes will again be on Barcelona’s No. 10 playmaker, since many are wishing he can again steal the show. A goal for Lionel Messi at El Molinón will eventually turn him into the club’s second most successful scorer in history.
