Champions league: Lyon vs. Barcelona

Current Group E leaders Barcelona travel to Lyon this week to play Lyon in what could be a surprise match for the Spanish club. They only need a point to be sure of qualifying for the next round and (and probably win the group) but their away form has been dreadful this season and they won’t be playing the same lackluster Lyon of a couple of months ago. Barcelona do have some reasons to be cheerful, though. Goalkeeper Victor Valdes is still unbeaten in this edition of the Champions League, and the team will in all probability welcome back out Samuel Eto’o, who has been out injured these past three months. It’s unlikely he will play from the start, but he will probably get a chance in the second half. Out of sorts Brazilian star Ronaldhino, who missed their weekend home win over lowly Recreativo de Huelva due to ‘fatigue’ should also make an appearance. There has been all kinds of media attention recently, most of it surrounding the Brazilian. First Barca companion and also Brazilian Edmilson was interviewed and went on about a ‘black sheep’ in the club. This didn’t sit well with the other players but the directors and coaches played it down. Many feel this was a direct swipe at Ronaldhino himself, who doesn’t seem to be pulling his weight and looks as if he is more interested in his advertising deals than his football. Coach Frank Rijkaard has also been under the spotlight, and it is anyone’s guess about will happen to him and his job in the long term (or even short term come to think of it).

Lyon for their part have turned their season around quite nicely. They are now leading the French ‘Le Chamionnat’ by three points, and have also successfully turned their fortunes around in this Champions League group by beating Stuttgart twice in the space of two weeks. They now take on Barcelona at home looking for revenge for the three nil mauling they received in the opening game.

I’m going for a Lyon win here. Barcelona just can’t be trusted away from the Nou Camp, where most teams play like frightened rabbits. It won’t be a high scoring game, mostly because of Victor Valdes’ great form, but I expect them to lose by a goal or two.

Prediction: Home win (1-0)