Barcelona B managed to put an end to a worrying run of losses last week with a goalless draw against Racing de Santander at El Sardinero, but the team still couldn’t secure victory. It’s been more than a month since Eusebio’s men won in the league, and today’s game against 11th placed Alcorcón, a team with the same points as the blaugranas, provides the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.
The reserves’ recent home form has been worrying, but there is no doubt that Eusebio’s young squad can grind out a win over a side that is pushing for promotion.
In Santander, the team was given many scares by Racing’s pacey forwards, but the backline generally responded well under pressure for the first time. The team’s backline getting in form couldn’t have come at a better time, with Eusebio’s team set to face an adventurous and bold Alcorcón side.
Alcorcón may be nothing special, they may be modest, but they play with intensity and determination.
They only rose to prominence after the 4-0 drubbing of Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey (the famous Alcorconazo),and over the last few years they have been constantly pushing for a promotion playoff place. Last year they had thought they finally made it, only for Barcelona B to spoil it for them with a blockbuster 4-3 late season victory at the Miniestadi. This year Jose Bordalás’ team is trying once again, and they’ll surely want to take revenge.
Los Alfareros have managed some impressive victories so far, but their biggest problem is consistency. They don’t have any draws to date, only wins and defeats. Each time they put together a win, the next week they blow it by losing the next match. That pattern has dominated their season so far.
They will be coming to Barcelona boosted by a solid 2-0 victory over Osasuna, but given their recent results, Barcelona B can clearly inflict damage. The pattern says that it’s time for them to lose.
TEAM NEWS FC Barcelona B: Not a lot of news at camp Barça B. Eusebio will surely be happy to have Alen Halilović back from international duty, but other cases haven’t evolved as the coach would have liked. Munir and Sandro are still with the seniors, meaning that the coach’s options up front are limited, while Campins and Godswill are still injured. Team captain Sergi Juste received medical clearance to play on Friday, but is still some way off match fitness. Finally, the coach has decided to leave Ondoa, Edgar Ié, Pol Calvet, and Babunski out of the match squad. Changes are definitely forthcoming in the starting XI, especially in midfield given that the team was short of ideas in Santander.
Predited lineup: Ortolá, Patric, Diagné, Bagnack, Lucas, Samper, Grimaldo, Halilović, Adama, Joan Román, Dongou.
AD ALCORON Alcorcón will be going to Barcelona with a boosted morale following the 2-0 defeat of Osasuna and without a single absence. José Bordalás will have his whole squad to choose from, but he is once again expected to stick with his most trusted starting XI, placing great emphasis on rapid wing play and counterattacks.
Predicted lineup: Javi Jiménez, Héctor Verdés, Ángel Sánchez, Iribas, Fran, Martínez, Guichón, Óscar Plano, Fausto, Máyor, David Rodríguez.
MATCH PROFILE Date: Sunday, October 19, 2014
Time: 21:00 CET
Venue: Miniestadi, Barcelon
Referee: José Ramón Piñeiro Crespo (Comité Territorial Asturiano)