Fri, November 06, 2009
MADRID, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona entertains Mallorca in the Camp Nou Stadium on Saturday night aiming to recapture the form that appears to have escaped it in the past week.
Barcelona goes into the match with three draws in four games and although the win in the middle was a 6-1 thrashing of Zaragoza, there have been doubts about recent performances.
The side has drawn 0-0 away to Valencia and 1-1 away to Osasunain the Primera Liga and although those would normally be viewed a good results, the expectation around the club is so high that any drop in standards is seized on.
Similarly the 0-0 draw in the -8 degrees cold against Rubin Kazan in midweek was an acceptable result, especially given the conditions. However, it has put Barcelona's Champions League future in doubt and coach Pep Guardiola needs an improvement against Mallorca.
He will be able to make changes to his side. Thierry Henry played for eight minutes in Russia and will probably start on Saturday night. Meanwhile central defender Dymtro Chygrynskiy, who is ineligible to play in Europe, will also start, while Sergio Busquets is likely to enjoy some time in central midfield.
Mallorca meanwhile is the surprise package of the season and five home wins has given Gregorio Manzano's side a surprising start to the season. Tipped by many as favorites for relegation, Mallorca has been unbeatable in its Son Moix Stadium, but has yet to win an away match.
Manzano is without key striker Aritz Aduriz who is injured for the game, but can welcome back former Liverpool defender Josemi, who returns after suspension.
The Mallorca coach has promised that his side will be aiming to limit the amount of space available to Barcelona's players this Saturday, but as Zaragoza found out two weeks ago, that is easier said than dune.
