Pep Guardiola has some problem on his hands as he tries to piece a defence together for sundays clash against Atlético Madrid in the Vicente Calderon. Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez both received their marching orders against Getafe at the weekend, carrying with them a one-match sanction. Dani Alves, Toure Yaya (normally pushed back to the centre-back when needed) and Eric Abidal have all been ruled out through injury. So it's just as well Gabby Milito has just returned from a lengthy lay-off as Guardiolas faith in summer signing Chygrynskiy dwindles, although even the Ukranian looks set to be involved now Abidal has been sidelined. Providing talismanic captain Carlos Puyol shakes off a niggle, Barcas starting XI should look something like this:4-3-3: Valdes; Maxwell, Chygrynskiy, Milito, Puyol; Xavi, Busquets, Keita; Messi, Ibrahimovic, Iniesta
Guardiola will surely opt for added defensive weight in the middle of the park, with Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita both more than capable of shielding their back four whilst providing options in attack. The makeshift defence might have more work than usual in attempting to keep Diego Forlán and Agüero quiet, but on recent form, and even with this weakened side, you would have to predict a Barca win. That said, Atlético Madrid always seem to summon up something special for their match-ups against the Catalans at home. The white half of Madrid will be hoping thats the case come Sunday night.
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