FC Barcelona come into this match with some minor doubts that lifts the hopes of the German fans. The Barça star Lionel Messi has been nursed the past week in order to come into this match 100% recovered & fit from a slight muscle tear from the Paris St Germain games. The 4 time Golden Ball winner has been training relatively well lately & was rested this weekend from Liga duties, but there is always a "risk" that injury could re-surface if the player comes back to full competition too early. Barça will risk as Messi is too important & the Argentine will not wish to miss the opportunity of participation under any circumstances.
Added to the above Barça is down in the defensive line with Puyol out along with regulars Mascherano & Adriano. Coach Vilanova will have to make the decision of putting in Song or the youngster Bartra, with the latter lacking in "big time" experience.
Speaking of injuries Sergio Busquets & Xavi Hernandez have also been nursed & will play, but the doubt is present & we will need to see how they handle a tough paced semi.
The Barça Coach Vilanova has taken over to Munich with him 21 players:
Valdes, Pinto, Dani Alves, Pique, Fabregas, Xavi, Villa, Iniesta, Alexis, Messi, Thiago, Dos Santos, Bartra, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Jordi Alba, Montoya, Abidal, Song, Tello y Oier.
From here we can only speculate what will be the FC Barcelona starting 11 line-up against Bayern Munich in tomorrows semi-final Champions League match. I will venture to put want I consider a close 11:
Victor Valdes, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Bartra (or Song), Jordi Alba, Sergi Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Pedro, Lionel Messi & Tello ( or Alexis )
I am betting here on two variables which are uncertain: Song in the defence & Tello in the forward line. However, its my speculation & as experience proves the Coaches of both teams will have a trick or two up their sleeves.
There is a notable absence, in the name of David Villa, the Spanish International has been a second-line player for Coach Vilanova this season. Said this, there is no reason why he cannot start tomorrow & may surprise.
Bayern Munich is solid. They are "flying high" in spirits after winning the German Football League ( Bundesliga ) in a demolition fashion. The possible Bayern Munich starting 11 line-up against FC Barcelona in the Champions League 1º leg semi final looks more clear except for perhaps the centre forward position. Will it be Mario Gomez or perhaps Mario Mandzukic?
I will put forward my speculated starting 11:
Neur, Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba, J.Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Robben, Muller, Ribery & Mario Gomez ( or Mandzukic ).
Powerful line-up that would worry any team in World Football. Formidable to say the least.
A match not to be missed. European & World Football at the maximum level.
Date: Tuesday 23 April 2013. UEFA Champions League 1 leg semi-final
Stadium: Allianz Arena - Munich , Germanay
Kick off 8.45 pm local time.
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