ZCZC
BSP-18
BARCA-HUESEA
Barca look to build on improved form in visit to bottom team Huesca
MADRID, March 13, 2021 (BSS/Xinhua)-FC Barcelona travel to bottom of the table Huesca on Sunday as they look to keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Although Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint Germain during the week, failing to reach the quarterfinal of the competition for the first time since the 2006-2007 season, Ronald Koeman’s side was still able to take positives from their exit.
The 1-1 draw in Paris was a vast improvement on their 4-1 home defeat three weeks earlier and follows the upward trend in both confidence and performances in that time.
The past three weeks have seen Barca close to within six points of Atletico (although that could be nine if Atletico win in Getafe on Saturday) and overturn a 2-0 first leg defeat to Sevilla to qualify for the final of the Copa del Rey.
Although going out of Europe is always a disappointment, and even more so given Barca’s ‘delicate’ economic situation, not having to travel will also help relieve tired legs and the prospect of a domestic double still gives plenty of reason for the end of the campaign.
With Gerard Pique still out with a twisted knee ligament, Koeman is likely to keep his three-man defense, although the question mark is whether he maintains Frenkie de Jong in the back line or pushes him into midfield and brings back Samuel Umtiti.
Pedri’s performances in central midfield may tempt Koeman to keep De Jong in the back line, with the 18-year-old showing maturity way beyond his years and a capacity to win possession that lifts the pressure off the aging Sergio Busquets.
It also allows Antoine Griezmann to play a slightly deeper role where his work rate is also more effective and allows him to join in attacks on the break. Meanwhile, Messi will drift around in attack and Ousmane Dembele will look to exploit spaces with his pace.
Huesca have improved significantly since the arrival of Juan Jose Rojo ‘Pacheta’ as first team coach and were unlucky to lose by the odd goal to Real Madrid and Sevilla, but last weekend’s 4-3 defeat to Celta Vigo was a blow to their survival hopes, although they are still only four points from safety.
BSS/XINHUA/AU/18:05 hrs