Busquets and Mascherano are likely to come back into the starting eleven against Viktoria in today’s Champions League match versus Vitkoria. Another European test for Pep’s boys, who will see the upcoming match against the Czech Gambrinus Liga champions as a chance to take a huge step to the round of 16. A win at home for Barcelona would ensure that they go undefeated throughout the first half of the Champions League group stage. Barcelona are, once again, hoping to dazzle the world this year in the European competition, hoping to be the first team to win the trophy in successive seasons.

Fabregas, who still has not received the medical green light, will not participate in this match despite having trained yesterday with his teammates. However, Guardiola yesterday let out a list of 19 players available for the match: Víctor Valdés, Pinto, Alves, Puyol, Xavi, Villa, Iniesta, Messi, Thiago, Mascherano, Keita, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Maxwell, Adriano, Abidal, Fontàs, Jonathan dos Santos, Isaac Cuenca.

Ex-Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who has not started in midfield all season, will again partner Puyol at the back in the Champions League, like against BATE. Alves, who is on a marathon run of games, will be at his usual spot as right wing-back with Adriano on the other flank, allowing Abidal to rest. Iniesta, who is close to gaining full fitness again, will be at left center mid, with Busquets behind him, and Xavi at his habitual position: right center mid. This triangle is a midfield that has already won 2 Champions League finals and a World Cup.

Since Guardiola chose to get rid of Ibrahimovic, Barcelona has played with more width and dynamics. This will most likely be seen tonight when Pedro and Villa star on the right and left wings respectively, and Messi at his false 9 role. Notice that Messi will combine with Xavi and Iniesta, who play by memory, and then try to feed the Spanish international goal-scorers when they cut in.

In yesterday’s press match conference, the future Balon D’Or 2012 Lionel Messi remained calm in bark of comparison’s with Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked what he thought about the comparison with the Portuguese forward, Messi said “I do not challenge myself with Cristiano. That is for the press to worry about. I’m only interested in helping my team and continuing to win and play good.”

He continued by saying that “the sooner we qualify for the next round of the Champions League the better because we have a lot of games.” He then concluded the press conference by stating “I want to win more Champions Leagues.”

Predicted Score: Barcelona 2-1 Viktoria
Predicted Line-up: Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Puyol, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi Villa.

Article written by Barcaloco contributor Keenan Manresa. Follow Keenan on Twitter at @knnza.