Tuesday, July 26, 2011

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26.07. (Tue) 18:15 Barcelona - Internacional

DID YOU KNOW?

Barcelona and Internacional last met in the final of the Club World Cup in 2006 and although the Catalans were big favourites, the Brazilian side came out on top.

Pep Guardiola's side set off to the United States on a tour after this competition, and will meet Manchester United in a repeat of the teams' Champions League final at the end of May.

This pre-season is Guardiola's fourth as coach of the Catalan club, but the Barca boss won't be handing a debut to new signing Alexis Sanchez, who will be given extra rest following the recent Copa America, along with Lionel Messi and Dani Alves.

Internacional midfielder Fabio Rochemback moved to Barcelona as a replacement for Guardiola in 2001.

Dunga, Alex, Branco and Claudio Taffarel are other notable stars to have played for the Porto Alegre-based side, whose closest rivals are Gremio, where Ronaldinho emerged.

Internacional have twice won the Copa Libertadores, in 2006 and 2010.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Barcelona (4-3-3)
Pinto; Dalmau, Fontas, Abidal, Maxwell; Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta; Jeffren, Villa, Afellay

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is likely to name a stronger side for his team's second pre-season match on Tuesday against Internacional. The Barca coach selected a different XI in each half for the goalless draw versus Hajduk Split at the weekend and are set to be without Pedro, Xavi, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique once again.


Internacional (4-3-1-2)
Renan; Nei, Bolivar, Rodrigo, Kleber; Mario Bolatti, Pablo Guinazu, Andrezinho; Andres D'Alessandro; Ze Roberto, Leandro Damiao.

Internacional are likely to see this clash as a much more prestigious affair and should select a strong side for the game against Barcelona, including former Argentine international midfielder Andres D'Alessandro and Tottenham target Leandro Damiao.


Prediction
Barcelona were unable to score against Hajduk Split, but they should be more in tune for this match and will be keen to gain some revenge for their 2006 World Club Cup loss, even if the players are different. Expect a stronger side from Guardiola and a better performance. This should be reasonably comfortable for the Catalans, although Internacional will be in superior shape.

Barcelona 3-1 Internacional