Barcelona v Atletico Madrid (and Madrid's chances)
Wednesday, 01 October 08, 03:32 AM · Comments(2)
by Michael 'Sinno' Sinnerton
With the Primera Liga season five games in Saturday brings the first clash of the potential title contenders. Barca and Atletico have 10 and 9 points respectively following mixed starts to the campaign.
Current Form
Barca have lost away at Numancia and been held at home by Racing Santander and despite racking up over 50 shots in the two games their one goal came from the penalty spot. Since then Barcelona have four straight wins against Gijon, Sporting Lisbon, Betis and Espanyol.
Atletico have been in good form when they put their first team out, but as anticipated perhaps don't have the strength in depth to prosper in both La Liga and the Champions League. As if to justify this, both their La Liga defeats have come in the games directly preceeding Champions League games when Madrid have been missing key players. With a 2-1 way defeat at Valldolid and a 1-0 reverse at home to Sevilla. Wins have come against Getafe, Recre, PSV, Malaga.
League Aspirations
Atletico are now in the middle of a ridiculous fixture schedule that sees every team in La Liga play Sevilla, Baca, Real and Villareal in consecutive games something which I think could derail their title chances before the season's in full swing. Particularly with their attentions seemingly focused on the Champions League - look out for home win against Marseille tonight.
Barcelona have the time and quality to recover but a worrying defensive frailty in which they seem to concede from at least every other shot and a lack of ruthlessness upfront are the familiar problems that confront Barcelona supporters year in/year out. As always, this could be their year.
Key Clashes
Puyol v Aguero
It is often said of the Puyol that what he makes for in defensive ability he makes up for with heart, passion and determination (see Jamie Carragher), but all his determination is unlikely to keep Aguero quiet if the little Argentine is in the mood. Aguero, almost certain to be one of the world's leading players in the next five years was, for my money, the standout player in La Liga last year and holds the key to his sides aspirations of silverware.
Messi v A.Lopez
The minute leading the small in this case. As 5ft 6in Messi takes on 5ft 8in Lopez, don't expect long crosses to the back post. Instead expect Lopez to get some freedom going foreward and the chance to deliver with his left but spend most of the game in a desperate struggle to nulify the threat of the diminutive genius. He will need help from the excellent Ujfalusi but I fully expect Messi to score in this game.
Predictions
With Barcelona having conceded in every league game so far it is hard to see a clean sheet here, likewise I can't see Atletico keeping Barca's out. Look for more than 2.5 goals in the game and a Barcelona win (8/15 on ladbrokes, 8/13 PP). Last year's games finished 4-2 Atletico (at the Calderon) and 3-0 Barca (at Camp Nou).
Outside Tips: Sinama-Pongolle 1st scorer; Repeat of last year's 3-0 (12-1)
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2 Comments · Add yours
I think it will be a tight game but after Atletico's win mid-week they might be boosted with more confidence. I think it'll probably be a draw, 1 v 1 or 2 v 2.
As predicted goals for both sides and a Barcelona win ;)