FC Basel – Barça Preview: Wednesday 2:45pmEST, ESPNDep

By: Isaiah | October 21st, 2008

We’re back to the Champions League once again, this time for a trip to Basel, Switzerland. There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s start with the history lesson:

FC Basel was founded in November 1893 — in fact, their full name is FC Basel 1893 just to reinforce that point — through a newspaper advertisement. Only a few years later, one of their first captains would found another club in a similar fashion in a different country. That man was Joan Gamper and the club was, you guessed it, FC Barcelona. Check out the clubs’ colors which are very similar, especially this year when Barça adopted the split jersey.

Basel may not be as successful as its little Catalan brother, but they’re no slouches either. They’ve won 12 Swiss league titles and 9 Cup titles (4 doubles). Their most recent win was this past season, when they won the double. Domestic success hasn’t bred European success, unfortunately for Basel, who have never made it out of the Group Stage.

So who are they, right now? After 11 games, they’re in 2nd, trailing FC Zurich only through goal differential (+16 to +13). Their leading scorer is 32-year old Scott Chipperfield, with 4. His strike rate is 0.50 (4 goals, 8 matches), which is pretty damned good. In the Group Stage of the CL, though, he has yet to score — in fact, Basel has only scored once in the two games (and has conceded 4).

Statistically, we’re not looking at a powerhouse, but complacency is the Devil’s main weapon. Barcelona are down a couple of players, but here’s the squad traveling to the land of mountains, snow, and secret banking:

Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Víctor Sánchez, Puyol, Márquez, Martín Cáceres, Piqué, Abidal, Sylvinho, Busquets, Touré, Iniesta, Xavi, Bojan, Hleb, Henry, Eto’o, Messi

So we have the return of Xavi and Caceres and the probable return to the starting lineup of Messi. The Argentine is rested, having not played during the weekend, so I don’t see a reason not to start him in what could be the clinching CL group stage game. With the current standings (Barcelona have 6 points, Shaktar and Sporting CP have 3, and Basel have 0), a win would put Barcelona in a fantastic position.

Here’s my random lineup that Guardiola won’t pay attention to (oh for the days of Rijkaard): Valdés, Alves, Puyol, Márquez, Abidal, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Hleb, Messi, Eto’o.

See what I did there? I took a bunch of names and made a 4-3-3 out of it. Woohoo! We’ll see how close I get to it this time…

This is very short, I know, but I’m pressed for time, unfortunately, and there seems to be so little to say. So, for my Official Prediction: 2-0 Barcelona. Sorry, Basel, but you’re getting your proverbial ass handed to your proverbial you. Wait, that’s too many proverbs.

Some Related Barcelona Posts:

Category: Barcelona, La Liga, Preview

« Squad Rotations: Are We Thinking Clearly? | Home | Basel 0-Barca 5, a.k.a. “Men against boys.” »

Isaiah

Good point by Sport (for once): All 5 of today's goals were scored by youth academy products: Bojan, Messi, Busquets, Xavi.

Yowza.
Shant

Wow. Bojan in the starting lineup? WHo expected that? But after seeing his performance, he definately proved himself to guardiola. And the combination of messi and bojan on the pitch is lethal. If you can have bojan and iniesta on the left and alves and messi on the right with Eto'o playing the center forward, that would be interesting.

Beautiful passing. Beautiful chemistry. I am loving CL! BARCA!!!!!!!!
Jason

today was just another confirmation that Bojan has rediculous amount of skill, BUT is still very green. He obviously lacks some game experience, and maybe some game sharpness. He will be amazing in the years to come. I see many Pichichis in his future.

Most of you already said it... but common Hleb, have a shot!

I didnt agree with Messi staying in the game. He didnt need to be put in danger, and didnt contribute much after the 5th goal.

I think Henry shoulda been played in the center, and probably been put in for messi.
Ciaran

Valdes - Another clean sheet but can't get more than a 5. Plenty of errors
Alves - Was everywhere along the front but Basel didn't attack. Nice assist and great crosses all game. 8.
Puyol/Marquez - solid but unspectacular. They dealt with what little was put to them well. 6.
Sylvinho - has lost his pace and did little going forward. 6.
Xavi - not his best game but he is still clocking up the assists. 7.
Yaya - A good DM goes unnoticed in a match like that. Basel didn't go down the middle once. 7.
Busquets - took his goal very very well and was solid throughout. Growing up very quick. 8.
Messi - Took him 3 minutes to own this game. Was everywhere for 60minutes only to disappear. 9.
Hleb - this game suited him to the ground, space and non-tackling defenders. So afraid to shoot. 8.
Bojan - On a different day he gets 5 goals. 1 dissallowed cos Hleb delayed a pass, another sitter blocked and the one he chipped over the bar. Great energy all match. I was just dissappointed that Pep moved him wide right after the 5th. Both he and Messi went downhill at that stage. 9.
Nolan

As long as Yaya and Marquez didn't suffer serious knocks, I think we can all smile. Yes the opposition was poor, but teams like this used to choke us under Rijkaard.
jake

We are so freakin' good its not funny. Bojan really is the goods. Any doubters have just been silenced. The only down side is that Yaya had to go off. Hope he's ok.
BA

an easily commanding game. or a commandingly easy game. when Pep took off Yaya we lost our stability, when he took off Xavi we lost our connection from the midfield/defense to the strikers.

Victor Sanchez is not ready for prime time, but i'm warming to Busquets. that goal was marvelous. Messi went on autopilot after we hit that last goal, and Bojan had no real provision. Hleb can't take over our midfield. but all in all it was a good game.

the real test is coming up though.
Isaiah

and it's over. 5-0. Just wait for Kevin to get a hold of this one. The player ratings should be pretty spectacular, really.
ballbeav

there we go titi;....
ballbeav

dont wanna complain, but we havent created many good chances since xavi left. we are passing it around and wasting time i suppose. but henry has been invisible.
Isaiah

I just hope Yaya isn't hurt.
Colin

Maybe he's reading it upside down. Playmaking midfielder for defensive midfielder? All three subs by the 67th minutes?
ballbeav

yaya came off, something bothering him
ballbeav

what is henry dooooinnngggggg
Isaiah

Does he even own a copy?
Colin

He's not by the book, for sure. He might leave the book at home on match day.
Isaiah

Sure, but since when has Guardiola made decisions that were considered rational?
Colin

Strange taking off a midfielder for a forward up five, on the road, and already playing 4-3-3.
Isaiah

Henry on for Xavi -- good call. Next should be Messi.
RUV

LOL. whoever said they are afraid of Yaya is right. I've watched ~15min and no one comes within 5 yards of him, much less attempts to challenge him.
Isaiah

Caceres on for Marquez...

Indeed, time to empty the bench.
RUV

Great punch out by VV...

Henry and Caceres (I think) up and warming up.
RUV

Xavi from outside the box... time to empty the bench! Give some of our top guns some rest.
Isaiah

I guess Guardiola saw that the Barça crowd wanted Bojan, so Bojan we got. Yay!
Isaiah

For god's sake...5-0?
Ciaran

I love Bojan and he's doing the business
Tomatutomate

told you Bojan should have hat trick
Isaiah

There's your Bojan strike, kiddos. 4-0.
Tomatutomate

I watching it streamed directly from UEFA. Paid 7.95. I am way to addicted to this team. Bojan should have a hatrick by now. Did you see 1-2 with Hleb and Xavi that Hleb broke into the box and made a perfect pass to Bojan that he just missed? That was NICE!!!

Its nice to know that both Hleb and Iniesta can rock the Left wing position. They are both so invaluable
Isaiah

RUV, i was just about to say that...
Isaiah

I love hearing that Yaya is scaring people. Strangely, it's comforting.
RUV

BA, I think Arsenal fans everywhere are nodding knowingly at your comment.
RUV

Just watched the first half highlights, Alves' flick over the back line to Messi was a no-look... pretty awesome.
BA

Yaya and Busquets are working better together already. watching Yaya is hilarious; you can tell the Basel players are scared to death of him. all he has to do is run in the vicinity of the ball and it's at his feet. Messi needs to come off, he's running too hard and we shouldn't risk him. Bojan is noticeably rusty, despite his excellent goal.

and SOMEBODY TELL HLEB TO SHOOT. dribble dribble dribble dribble dribble pass. YOU'RE A GOOD PLAYER HLEB, SHOOT THE DAMN BALL!

we're playing really well though, admittedly against poor competition but still heartening.
Isaiah

Halftime and this one is over, yo.
Isaiah

You don't have to stop the running commentary...

I'm watching via your words (and Radio Barça)
Colin

Heh, they just showed the Basel supporters. One was chewing his nails, one was texting, another was people watching.

/ running commentary
Colin

Basel looks like practice cones, but Barca is playing with pace and verve (I just like using that word, but it's true also).

The Yaya - Busquets combo is dominating.
Isaiah

Good lord. We're either really good, or Basel sucks.
Colin

World class goal from Bojan, he drags the defenders to the right, then fires across his body into the lower left corner. Perfect shot.
Colin

Now Bojan gets his!
Colin

Oh, I must have missed that Isaiah, I'm off so I'm watching Barca on stream and Liverpool on ESPN2.

Atletico looks poor again, 0-1 on a Gerard to Keane play right up the middle of the Atletico defense.
Colin

And Basel's keeper pulls a horseshoe out of his butt, should have three.
Isaiah

No, on Bojan's goal that was called back for offside.
Colin

Pretty clear what Barca's tactics are: get Basel looking at the ball, then back door them. Worked twice so far.
Colin

On the Messi goal? I didn't notice him.

On the Busquets goal, the player marking Messi keept Busquets onside.
Isaiah

Busquets with the goal! Sounded pretty!

2-0!
Isaiah

Was Bojan offside?
Colin

Didn't take long ... beautiful ball from Alves.
Colin

This stream is working for me:

http://www.justin.tv/widgets/j...
Colin

Andrew and ballbeav:

There are several streams, including justin.tv, here:

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast....
llobster

actually, EMD says Iniesta on the bench, but the FCB website says V Sanchez, Abidal, Caceres, Eto'o, Henry, and Pinto...no Iniesta
llobster

starting xi:

valdes
alves marquez puyol sylvinho
toure busquets xavi
messi bojan hleb

eto'o, henry, and iniesta on the bench

8 out of 11 ain't bad isaiah
RUV

Andrew and ballbeav-- ESPN360.com (if available) or justin.tv are what I use. Usually able to find 1 good stream between them.
Jason

the people missing from the squad are Keita, and Guddy through injury, both midfielders... kinda...

Since they wernt available... i think guardiola just threw for defenders in the squad.

Worst case scenerio; Marquez can play DM, Alvez can play on the wing. And if im not mistaken there was a game or two last season when Rijkaard, after making all three subs, had sylvinho play left-wing, and DM!

I think the Versatiliy of some of our players makes up for some squad depth issues that may come up in the future, I dont think our squad is running thin yet.

On another note, Sylvinho going to celtic? I cannot argue that he should stay considering Abidal's form, and Guardiola's decision to put puyol there when abidal is not available, but if he goes, he will be missed. I kinda liked Sylvinho, very much a team player.
Kxevin

ESPN is right about the importance of those games, frankly. If all goes according to form, we should put the smack down on Basel. Everyone else has, and we are by far the strongest side in our group.

That Atletico/Liverpool match has broader social ramifications if nothing else, and Roma/Chelsea is good on paper, even if Roma is coming off of a 4-0 stonking at the hands of Inter.

Lee, I'm with you on this one. Basel will have absolutely nothing to lose, and will play like it. I don't think they will turtle up, though. I think they'll man up and we should see an interesting match. They already know they don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting out of the group, so why not have some fun with the big boys?
andrew

hey ballbeav, i am in the same boat with you because espn classic doesnt see the barca game as important compared to the atleti-liverpool and chelsea-roma.

if it all fails you can get th egmae at roja directa, but you will probably have to wait till late tonight to see it.

jason: my mistake, i was counting iniesta as a forward since he seems to play up all the time these days. even against bilbao it looked like henry dropping back to fill xavis spot when sanchez seemed lost. but you are right there are 4 midfielders and a couple of others who can play there is needed, by why do we have 8 defenders? who is missing from the squad? are we lacking depth in the midfield? who do we have to replace xavi besides iniesta?
ballbeav

as always, if people find good, working internet streams for this match, please post the URL here (no ESPN deportes, i am visiting a friend in salt lake city, i doubt i will find the footie pub here!)
Hawk

Fabregas to Barcelona. Is it possible? Will my dream come true? A true true replacement for Xavi (When the time come of course. Right now the man is a genius and one of the best in the world.) so Iniesta will go on to a more attacking and/or winger style role where he is better.
Lee@guillembalague.com

I am alone in thinking this is a bit of a tricky tie where, for once, a few changes to the line up wouldn't go amiss? Guardiola has been warning of complacency and maybe the introduction of some second string players may keep everyone on their toes. After all, we have consecutive games against Valencia, Sevilla, Villarreal and Real Madrid coming up and we are going to need a full squad and all of our key players firing on all cylinders for those games.
eklavya

MAN i wanted to go see this match ever since they were sorted in the same group, even more as i live in Switzerland...
EE lost against juve HAHA
by the way there were TONS of goals yesterday, like villareal won 6-3 and arsenal 5-2 and lyon also had a mad match 4-3 (not sure if this score is right)..im hoping barca's going to do the same, but a clean sheet this time!!!
Jason

woah EDIT...

appearantly entering () does weird formatting stuff to the post...

my subs were:
Bojan for Messi
Caceres for Marquez and
Toure for Xavi
Jason

Andrew... i dont think you counted counted correctly. If we count hleb as a midfielder; that gives us (1) Toure (2) Busquets (3) Xavi (4) Iniesta (5) Hleb... 5. but thats not important.

I doubt Basel will come out swinging, so i dont know if Toure is needed tomorrow (tonight for you folks in europe). Also, i think that if were up 2 goals by the 55th, I want, nay demand some BOJAN! I also want to see Henry in the center from the get-go. Also, if were up by 3 around the 60th or 70th, i want to rest Xavi and Iniesta... but we dont seem to have the bench to do so... I think a Puyol-Marquez pairing will suffice because they have the experience, and skill, and their lack of pace shouldnt be an issue against a 32 year old striker.

That said, i present the side i want to see tomorrow;

Valdes
Alvez-Puyol-Marquez-Abidal
Busquests
Xavi Iniesta
Messi Henry Hleb

Subs:
Bojan gets some minuts
Welcome to the C.L. Caceres!
+1 appearance, +1 check from Nike

3-0 Barcelona, maybe 4-1

Iniesta, and Hleb should take turns terrorizing the Right back!

ok... i'll stop talking now... TOO excited about the game!
jake

Really looking forward to this game. A lot of history between the two teams. Also, I've met Scott Chipperfield a few times (I was really excited when you mentioned him) because his brother is a good family friend. Actually, most times when I see him is at parties, so he is a bit drunk. Great guy though.

I'm going to go with your lineup, but with Caceres in place of Marquez.
andrew

does it strike anyone else as weird that we have 8 defenders and 5 strikers and only 3 midfielders in the squad? that includes hleb in the midfield. so what happens for subs? i think we will definitly see it all mixed up again. i think messi will only play half the game.

my prediction 4-1 to us. messi gets 2, samu 1, and xavi 1.
Ronald

F.C. Barcelona vs. F.C. Basel aka " hey our jerseys look alike, i'll try not to get confused "