Group F Previews (Nov. 24)
Barcelona vs. Internazionale
If the beginning of this season has taught us anything it is that the Champions of Europe are only human after all. In their last four matches, Barcelona have only one win and three draws, a poor record for last year’s treble winners.
It does not get any easier as they face Internazionale at the Camp Nou. Barcelona are always favourites at home but they may be without Ibrahimovich and Messi who both are struggling with injuries. It will be a game-time decision.
“Messi has an injury in the abductor muscle of his left thigh,” read a club statement. “We do not discard his presence in Tuesday’s game.
“As for Ibrahimovic, there has been an improvement with regards to his thigh injury but we will have to monitor the situation.”
In addition Toure Yaya and Eric Abidal are both out of the line up with the H1N1 flu. Inter Milan are almost at full strength after a start wrought with injuries. Jose Mourinho just has starlet defender Santon out with an injury.
Barcelona are bound and determined and the players know it is a must win scenario. A loss against Inter coupled by a win for Rubin Kazan against Dynamo Kiev would see the Catalan side out of the Champions League at a group stage.
Player to watch:
Thierry Henry has had a tough week back from International play. However there is no shortage of motivation for the Frenchman who may or may not have his regular partners, Messi and Ibra.
Match Prediction:
This may be the toughest match to call this year. I cannot bet against Barcelona, they seem bound and determined and with the Catalan faithful behind them it will be tough for Inter win. I predict a 2-1 victory for Barcelona.
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Rubin Kazan vs Dynamo Kiev
Rubin Kazan are fresh off having just defended their Russian crown and could make it a double with a win tomorrow. With a win the Russians would qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.
Dynamo are coming off a high as well with a 3-0 win over fierce rivals Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian Premier League. Dynamo will be without two of their starting back-line as Yevgen Khacheridi and Leandro Almeida are injured and suspended respectively.
Player to watch:
Shevchenko’s experience will be invaluable in this important match. The Ukrainian side still have a chance to qualify for the Round of 16 but they will need positive results in their last two matches.
Match Prediction:
Rubin Kazan have impressed me against Barcelona this year but they may be the favourites going in tomorrow which is a role in which they are not accustomed. I still predict a 1-0 victory for the Russians.
Play Beautiful!
