Champions League preview: Schalke vs Barcelona, Tuesday 4 p.m. CT, ESPN Classic

By: Kevin | March 31st, 2008

I know, we don’t get the high-def ESPN2 feed. Ripoff!

It’s April Fool’s Day on this matchday, everyone, but since we’ve already played our cruel trick on Saturday against Betis, t’would be my vast, vast preference if we just rolled into Schalke’s home and got knee deep in that ass.

Here’s the lineup, and you’ll note some very good news here: Valdes, Pinto, Milito, Marquez, Puyol, Xavi, Gudjohnsen, Iniesta, Eto’o, Zambrotta, Henry, Edmilson, Sylvinho, Dos Santos, Thuram, Abidal, Yaya and Krkic.

Yes, Marquez and Milito are back, which is very, very good news. Milito likes to stay home, which should solve some central defensive complexities. He also hews to my “when in doubt, kick it out” strategy of defense in the box. And Marquez….what can we say? He and Puyol seem to have a rapport, and he’s good in the air if we get some set pieces. He probably won’t be at full match fitness yet, however, but just having him and those killer long passes in the house is encouraging. I’m looking for this starting XI:

Valdes, Puyol, Milito, Marquez, Zambrotta, Yaya, Xavi, Iniesta, Eto’o, Henry, Krkic.

That front line was dynamite against Betis, and I expect them to be even better, cuz the boys are gonna be angry.

Why no Abidal? Zambrotta’s physical qualities are more in demand for this tie, I think, and Abidal could use some quality time for contemplation. I also think he’s of more value against Liga sides with his pace, than in CL ties, which are generally tighter.

Still no Ronaldinho, though I am told his nails are just lovely. Still no Deco, either. Bummer, sort of, but sort of not.

Schalke manager Mirko Slomka, referring to us and showing his gift as master of understatement, says “They are having a few problems at the moment.” Uh, yeah. Duh!

Anyone thinking that Schalke is something of a gift needs to be careful. They’re very strong in the air, will press the midfield and are very organized defensively.

And we are having a few problems at the moment.

Eto’o says “No locker room problems.” Rijkaard says “No problems.” Txiki sez “No problems.” We all know what that means, right?

There are problems.

Ronaldinho appears to be on strike. Is he injured, or isn’t he? Dunno. Good question. Some say yes, others say no, but it’s a lame-ass, halfhearted no. Last we heard, he practiced with the squad, went to Valencia for the ill-fated Copa tie, and wanted to play. But wild horses successfully held him back. Maybe battling them, to get onto the pitch resulted in the muscle strain.

Does Rijkaard have the locker room, or doesn’t he? Is Deco really injured?

For these answers and more, tune in tomorrow to “As the Blaugrana Turns.”

And don’t forget: Where to Watch: The best places to watch FC Barcelona in action. If you’ve got something to add, email us at barcelona [at] theoffside [dot] com.