Basel v Barcelona preview

In-form Barca hoping to strengthen grip on Group C

Last updated: 22nd October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Basel v Barcelona preview

Xavi: Fit again

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Barcelona will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group C when they travel to Switzerland to take on Basel.

The Catalan giants make the trip in buoyant mood having won their last seven games in all competitions.

A victory for Pep Guardiola's side would all but secure their passage into the knockout stages, while Basel are in desperate need of the points after losing their opening two games.

Barca welcome back key midfielder Xavi into the fold after a hamstring injury, while defender Martin Caceres is included in the squad after missing out on last weekend's win over Athletic Bilbao.

Seydou Keita, Eidur Gudjohnsen, and Gabi Milito are all missing through injury, but Rafael Marquez and Yaya Toure are available.

Basel are set to employ a more attacking side as they look to keep alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the next phase.

Highly-rated striker Eren Derdiyok is set to parner Marco Streller up front for Christian Gross' side.

Australian midfielder Scott Chipperfield is doubtful for the game with a knock, but Benjamin Huggel is set to return after being rested at the weekend.

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