Group F Preview (Nov. 4)
Barcelona vs FK Rubin Kazan
Barcelona are on a revenge mission in Russia after being beaten at the Camp Nou a fortnight ago by the Russian champions.
Barca are dejected after Rubin's win.
Barca do not only have to worry about a very organized Kazan defence but harsh temperatures and a dodgy playing surface as well. At this time of year it is not uncommon to have temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius in Russia. Guardiola says his team cannot be affected by the conditions.
“It’s going to be cold and that’s the way it is, we can’t afford to think about it a second longer,” Guardiola told a news conference. “If the team wants to achieve great things this year it has to be able to cope with cold places and muddy pitches.”
Barca are only missing defensive duo Dmytro Chygrynskiy and Gabriel Milito for the match. Full back Dani Alves has made a rapid recovery and has made the trip. Rubin Kazan has South African midfielder Macbeth Sibaya available again following a three-match European ban.
Player to watch:
Messi has never played in a climate like Russia and will have to ignore it and play as usual.
“To win we’ll have to just ignore it,” he told a news conference after training. “The important thing is to play a good match.”
Match Prediction:
Rubin Kazan has proved that their defence is hard to break down in the matches against Internazionale and Barca but the Catalan’s will be keen to get off to a fast start and open up their back-line.
I predict a 3-1 win for Barcelona.
________________________________________________________________________
Internazionale vs Dynamo Kiev
Jose Mourinho has challenged his side to reproduce their domestic form in Europe’s biggest stage. Having only managed three draws in their last three games the Nerazzurri are desperate for their first win in the competition.
“Our top position in the league is down to the fantastic work done by my players every day,” said Mourinho.
“The team needs to continue on this path and we will see if on Wednesday we can take an important result to give the team a morale boost in the Champions League.”
Muntari sustained a muscular injury at the weekend and is doubtful while Wesley Sneijder and Thiago Motta are still sidelined with thigh injuries. Inter get a boost with Balotelli returning from his suspension.
The hosts meanwhile are unbeaten at home since losing to FC Porto in the Champions League 12 months ago.
Player to watch:
Samuel Eto’o has a great scoring record in the Champions League from his time with Barca but will have to pick it up with his new side.
Match Prediction:
I predict a 2-2 draw. Inter will not be able to get a win in the Ukraine on current form.
Play Beautiful!
