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Barça, who have a habit of slipping in their first games after the festive break, restart their league campaign tonight against Levante at the Camp Nou. Xavi could equal Migueli’s record for appearances, but none of Messi, Piqué, Puyol or Afellay can
There is not much Guardiola has not achieved at Barcelona, but New Year seems to be a difficult time for him. In 2009, Barça had to come from behind to beat Mallorca 3-1, while in 2010, Villarreal became the only team to get a point at the Camp Nou all season.
So the team are warned as they go into their first encounter of 2011 against Levante, despite riding high in the table and having scored 41 goals and conceded just 4 in their ten League outings. Barça ended 2010 is incredible form, and tonight we shall see whether that form is going to be varied over to the new year.
Missing players
Barça cannot field their winter singing Ibrahim Afellay as the transfer window doesn’t officially open until January 3. And the club has also allowed Leo Messi to extend his holiday, while Piqué is suspended and Puyol is injured. But the good news is that both Milito and Jeffren are back from injury, while Guardiola has also drafted in reserve team players Bartra, Thiago and Víctor Vázquez. With both the usual centre backs out, the biggest question mark is over what he will choose to do with his defence.
Tribute to two legends
But the man of the moment is Xavi Hernàndez. If picked, he will equalise Migueli’s record of 549 appearances for Barça. Migueli himself, who last played for the club twenty years ago, has been invited to take the honorary kick off.
Hurt rival
Levante are looking to bounce back from their humiliating 8-0 cup defeat at the Bernabéu. After ending 2010 in such sorry fashion, they will be hungry to make amends. Their home form has been good enough in the league (10 points) but they have only collected five point s on the road. And if they are to spring a surprise, they’ll have to do it without their injured star striker Felipe Caicedo.
