الاثنين، 18 أكتوبر 2010

Barcelona 2 - 1 Valencia


Xavi and David Villa are doubtful for Barcelona's clash at home to leaders Valencia at the Nou Camp.
Xavi has been sidelined since before the recent international break with an Achilles problem and was unable to complete training on Thursday.
Villa, who injured his knee in Spain's 3-2 win over Scotland in midweek, also failed to complete the session and could miss the opportunity to face his former club for the first time.
The Asturian forward scored more than 100 league goals for Valencia in six seasons at the Mestalla and was a key player for Spain in the team's World Cup success over the summer.
Villa had been looking forward to facing his old club, but now faces a late fitness test ahead of the game.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola must also decide whether to risk Xavi or hold back the Spain international for the Champions League match against FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.
"We will see,'' Guardiola said. "If Xavi is okay then he will take part, but if not he will be rested.''
One player who will definitely miss out is Pedro, who tore his hamstring in the recent game against Real Mallorca.
Barcelona dropped to fourth place in the Primera Division following a disappointing 1-1 draw in that match and the Catalans4 home form this season must be a cause for concern for Guardiola.
Barca have won just once at home in the league and that was an unconvincing 1-0 success over Sporting Gijon.
Guardiola4s side will need to do better against in-form Valencia.
"We can't afford to lose any more points at home,'' full-back Adriano said earlier this week.
Valencia are currently unbeaten, having won five and drawn one of their first six matches.
And Barca captain Carles Puyol expects a difficult match against Unai Emery4s side.
"It will be a difficult game against a good team,'' he said.
"They lost some important players (in the summer), but have brought in others and they are still a very good team - these are three very important points.''
Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, who was brought in to replace Villa in the summer, believes now is the right time to face Barca.
"We are ambitious and now is the time to cause Barcelona harm,'' he said.
"We shouldn't be afraid. They have suffered in their last two home matches and we are in good form.''
Marius Stankevicius will hope to shake off a virus in time but Miguel misses out through injury.

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