Barcelona missing pair for 'Babydepor' match
Barcelona visit Deportivo La Coruna this Saturday in a bid to turn
the page on their disappointing 2-2 draw with Chelsea in midweek.
Frank Rijkaards side will look to preserve their lead at the top
against the Galicians, but will be without midfielder Xavi and
Icelandic frontman Eidur Gudjohnsen, who both suffered knocks in
Tuesdays bad-tempered Champions League match against the
Londoners.
Xavi will be out of action for 10 days and is likely to be replaced
by Spanish international midfielder Andres Iniesta, with
Argentinian striker Javier Saviola the only fit frontman at
Rijkaards disposal to come in for Gudjohnsen. Deco and Thiago Motta
should be fit in time after missing training on Friday, but
Cameroon forward Samuel Etoo is still a long-term absentee.
Rijkaard, meanwhile, has never lost a match at Deportivos Riazor
stadium and will be hoping to continue this good run on
Saturday.
However, recent poor results have angered the Barcelona coach and
the Dutchman cut an angry figure at training on Thursday, shouting
furiously at his players. Nevertheless, Argentinian forward Lionel
Messi played down the incident. "It was understandable that he was
angry. We were not training well and looked half asleep," he said
on Thursday.
Messi came back into the side against Chelsea after recovering from
a recent injury and believes Barcelona will return to winning ways
in La Coruna. "Our league form is good and we are confident of
getting another result this weekend," he said. Dutch full-back
Giovanni van Bronckhorst also claimed to understand recent
criticism of the team.
"It is true that we have not won the games against the big teams
and it is logical that fans are concerned, but we are playing well
and confident in ourselves," he said on Thursday. The former
Arsenal player did predict a difficult match in La Coruna, however.
"Deportivo are a very strong team and they always cause us problems
when we play there. However, we need to stay top of the league and
must get the three points," he said.
Rijkaard agreed with his defenders assessment and warned his
players that they face a tough test. "Deportivo are a hard-working
side with a lot of character and a good mentality. They are strong
at home and can cause us problems," he said on Friday. Barcelona
lead the Primera Liga with 19 points from eight matches, but lost
their last away game against Real Madrid two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruna are enjoying a renaissance under
coach Joaquin Caparros. The former Sevilla manager has given youth
a chance this season and has reaped the rewards. His "Babydepor"
are currently seventh, with 14 points, just two less than
fourth-placed Zaragoza and having won all four of their home games,
the coach believes that his team has a fighting chance against
Barcelona.
"We must make good use of the spaces. We are not going to change
our style because we are playing against Barcelona. I have faith in
this group of players and believe that this young team can take
another small step," he said on Friday. Spanish international
left-back Joan Capdevila did not train on Friday and is unlikely to
start against the Catalans. Should he fail a late fitness test, the
defender will be replaced by former Barcelona player Rodri.
Meanwhile, experienced central defender Juanma looks set to return
at the back, with Alvaro Arbeloa coming in at right back. Having
been left out of the game against Getafe, youngsters Cristian
Hidalgo and Juan Rodriguez could also both play in midfield, while
the in-form Javier Arizmendi looks set to move to a supporting role
up front, with Riki dropping to the bench.
