If everything goes well, this season might be much better than the 'ANTIC 96' which the current manager, Diego Simeone was a big part of. 'EL CHOLO' has brought a new lease of life to the Madrid club since he came on board. The boss demands the very best from each player, irrespective of the position. He sold Falcao and built Diego Costa. Now the Brazilian cum Spaniard is one of the best strikers in the World and is posting incredible numbers in front of goal.
Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has not yet defeated Diego Simeone in any competition since he was appointed to replace Tito Vilanova at the beginning of the season. Although the Catalans won the SuperCoppa Espanna at the expense of Simeone's men, it was only on away goals rule. No outright victory has been recorded by the 4-time European Champions. Tata will hope to register his first win over los Rojiblancos tonight at the intimidating Camp Nou. Victories over Real, Celta Vigo and Espanyol in the past weeks have lifted the mood. A resounding one tonight will remove the roof definitely.
Atletico Madrid have proved in no small measure that they are a hard nut to crack this term. The La Liga leaders rose to the occasion at the new San Mames on Saturday. That match showed their test of character and ability to thrive under difficult conditions as they came out victors and maintained their one point lead at the top of La liga. Diego Costa pulled out of yesterday's training and is a doubt for tonight's fixture. Simeone will be hoping he shrugs off whatever ails him and declares himself ready to shoot down down the Catalans.
PROBABLE LINEUPS
BARCELONA
Pinto, Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Fabregas, Xavi, Iniesta Neymar, Messi
ATLETICO MADRID
Courtois, Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Luis, Gabi, Koke, Mario Suarez, Garcia, Costa, Turan
Victor Valdes has been operated upon and will be out for seven months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a crucial League game v Celta Vigo. The serial Zamora winner will miss the World Cup in Brazil and of course tonight's encounter. Barca have an able replacement in Pinto who has delivered everytime he has been called upon to deputise for the almost irreplaceable VV. The defence is as you were and the midfield is predictable every game. It is in attack that Alexis and Pedro are finding it difficult to play week in, week out because of the presence of Neymar who hasn't let himself down recently.He won the penalty that set Barcelona on the path of victory at the Bernabeu, scored two goals in the next match v Celta and had a hand in the penalty converted by Messi at Espanyol. Tata has a lot of faith in Cesc Fabregas and cannot bench Iniesta who has been on form for the past few weeks now. Alexis has scored 17 League goals but is not guaranteed a starting slot in the team. That goes to show the stiff competition.
Atletico Madrid possess some of the best players in the World in every position on the field of play. Their goaltender is certainly one of the best in the World and the Miranda led rearguard is as shored up as any other in World Football. Koke is a full Spanish international now and Arda Turan can force his way into almost every team in the World. Raul Garcia is the dependable ally of Costa in European games and he is set to be picked ahead of David Villa again. Diego Costa will lead the line and his industry will be very much required to take a good result back to the Calderon in three weeks. Captain Gabi is the enforcer, the fighter, the leader, the conductor and the orchestrator of the Colchoneros. He has paid his dues. He has a big job tonight v the revered Barcelona midfield. He always delivers.
The absence of Victor Valdes is a big blow to Barcelona, Spain and the football World in general. He will be sorely missed and I hope he recovers well from this regrettable layoff. He will come back stronger because he is a fighter, a winner and a champion. ANIMSVALDES!
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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