Liga's episode:Hercules attacks Barcelona! You need THAT supernatural power to create damage.
La liga is back after an international break. Everyone is wondering if it will be another “two horses” competition or some other teams will bring a surprise and compete for the title. No doubt the hopes are not that high. But make no mistake, at moments like this miracles happen, and something supernatural turn the table and oppose all expectations. And it is happening, in case you didn’t notice yet! And who is better than…
Yeap! That’s right! Hercules comes to town with high expectations. They had a controversial promotion from the second division but since then they made some interesting signings with the aim to survive in the Liga between the big boys. Having a look at their squad makes it realistic to bet on their success to avoid relegation. They bought lot of new players, strengthening all the lines from the goal keeper to offense. David Cortés, Noé Pamarot, Mohamed Sarr, Matías Fritzler, Rufete, Abel Aguilar, Nelson Valdez, David Trezeguet , Royston Drenthe, and Portillo prove enough quality for the ambitious club to battle against relegation. They lost their first game against Athletic Bilbao by a single goal, which is not a bad start.
Can Hercules create a big mess in the liga this season? Not this week, you say. This week Hercules will have to challenge no one but:
True that. The beautiful, sexy, attractive but fatal Xena-tic Barcelona.
Barcelona players were touring the globe, playing for their national teams. International breaks usually bring a bad curse on Barcelona as the team struggles in the very next match they play. If there is a team Barcelona can wish playing against after an International break, it has to be a newly promoted club like Hercules.
After Hercules, Barcelona will host Panathinaikos for the first Champions’ league matches before traveling to Madrid and –based on recent records- drop some points against Atletico. Reasoning supposes that Pep will save some players for the following games. History insures that he won’t.
Predicted Selection:
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Milito, Abidal, Busquets, Xavi, Keita, Iniesta, Villa, Messi
There were some reports that Puyol will be ready for this game, but it will be absurd –even- for Pep to call him to start.
Pep will make sure to produce a good start for the season to create positive momentum. The first game served that objective and another big win will boost morale and increase confidence. This will also help the starters to increase their understanding on the field especially with Villa as a forward.
Preferred (radical) selection:
Valdes, Adriano, Pique, Abidal, Maxwell, Mascherano, Keita, Busquets, Bojan, Villa, Pedro
Such a weird selection is not new. We saw it last season where we played a midfield of Yaya-Busquets-Keita in two or three matches in the liga. This selection will give some players a good chance to practice their new roles in the team. Adriano as a right fullback, Abidal as a Center back, Mascherano as a holding midfielder, Bojan and Villa as forwards. Having Mascherano, Busquets and Keita makes it safe to start two offense oriented fullbacks. Those fullbacks will increase Bojan’s and Pedro’s presence in the box, linking with Villa without compromising width. I am a believer in Busquets as a center midfielder as I was always a believer in his potentials as a holding midfielder. Yet, will Pep try him there or will it be Yaya’s story all over again?
I do believe this selection can win against Hercules, and if that’s the case then why wasting more bullets if saving some armor will help for the following battles? There is a good case for Alves to play because he didn’t suffer in this international break but the rest need rest. Especially Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi.
That’s a radical selection no doubt and maybe the most reasonable selection is something in between the predicted and the preferred.
Hercules Coach insured that a draw is not a satisfying result for his team because they want to win. Good radiance, I say. Especially that with all the new payers they signed –even if they were Real Madrid- they will still need time to find their best selection. If Barcelona avoided the counter attacks threat then Hercules will need more than the powers of Zeus to pull a miracle.
Posted by Ramzi
on 05:58.
Filed under
Well written Ramzi.
My selection for the match:
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Abidal,Adriano
Busquets, Xavi, Masch
Iniesta, Villa, Messi
Nelson Valdez and David Trezeguet are good Strikers. I would play Abidal as a CB because his pace might be needed against Valdez. We saw in the WC how Valdez was able to kill Puyol for speed, and Milito is not much faster. And Abidal has had more rest.
Man, I did not that see that coming. I do, however, have proof that I foretold the Nelson Valdez threat! My only thing to be happy about after this game :p.