CDR preview: FC Barcelona vs Cordoba. Pinto time!

By: Natasha | January 9th, 2013

You know what this means...

Oh yes, it’s that time again…the Copa is upon us! As usual in the pre-match press conference, Roura insists, “we are treating the game with all seriousness in the world“. Indeed.

Sure, it’s being taken seriously. The fact that Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro and Piqué have been left out of tomorrow’s squad is a sign of that. Yeah. Piqué is making the most of this by watching football all evening and eating ice cream, it seems. They’re just like us! I’d also like to point out that any match in which Pinto is the first choice goalkeeper probably means that it’s not all that serious. I say that out of only love for Pinto and his wonderful hair. I love Pinto time.

So who’s in the squad? GK – Valdés Pinto. DF – Dani Alves, Puyol, Mascherano, Bartra, Montoya, Adriano, Jordi Alba. MF – Fàbregas, Thiago, Dos Santos, Song, Busquets, Sergi Roberto. FW – Villa, Alexis, Messi, Tello. My first thought here was, “do we really have that many defenders? Certainly doesn’t feel like it at times. Apart from that, where are the Barça B kids? Seeing them play and look like startled deer in the headlights is one of the best things about the Copa!

In more relevant news (but talking about Pinto’s hair is relevant and serious too), Roura announced that Tito will not be managing the team tomorrow, as he has medical appointments to attend. Fingers crossed everything goes well for him. With that in mind, Roura better be dressed to impress tomorrow. Shirt, tie, suit jacket, all of that. Barça coaches cannot stroll around in tracksuits!

From today's training. I love training sessions. Everyone looks so happy!

Predicted lineup for tomorrow – Pinto – Dani Alves, Puyol, Mascherano, Jordi Alba – Song, Thiago, Cesc – Alexis, Messi, Tello. I’d prefer to see Bartra start over Puyol, but I don’t think any of the youngsters will start, as Barça “only” have a 2-0 lead. It’s not a huge lead and there’s still work to do tomorrow. Copa matches also have a habit of being very drawn out and frustrating and a Cordoba goal is not out of the question. For defence, Jordi Alba is likely to start over Adriano as he’s had a “muscle discomfort” (whatever that is) and if Roura knows what’s good for him, risking our left back Pichichi contender would be a bad move. As for the midfield, I’d like to see Song start, simply because rotation is good and Song needs playing time. That’s the purpose of Copa matches, right? Finally, Messi will play because Messi doesn’t know what a bench is.

The match kicks off tomorrow at 8.30pm GMT, 9.30pm CET. Visca!

Some Related Barcelona Posts:

Category: Team News

« Match review: FC Barcelona 4 – 0 RCD Espanyol – Did someone replace Pedro’s batteries? | Home | FC Barcelona 5 – 0 Cordoba Copa del Rey Match Review: The Return of El Guaje »

Anonymous_69

I think Montoya needs playing time. But Alves is still our best RB and he needs consistent matches to get back to his best. Alba rarely rests, I want to see him at RB. And Mascherano hasn't gotten much playing time in the last little while, so him and Bartra is what I want to see. Song definitely. Thiago and Sergi Roberto (JDS is gone this winter, no point in playing him over Sergi now). In attack, Sanchez should start. Messi will definitely play too, so the other spot probably goes to Villa. Although I want Tello to start, as he started the season brightly and hasn't played much recently.

Pinto
Montoya-Bartra-Mascherano-Adriano
Sergi Roberto-Song-Thiago
Sanchez-Messi-Villa