After successful midweek encounter against Sevilla in Copa del Rey, Barça awaits defensively very strong Racing Santander and what is promising to be a very absorbing encounter of the two upper table teams.

Barça won three of their last six matches, last time against Murcia by 4-0. It seems like Barça is slowly forming back into shape and with Messi coming back the things should only get better.

Racing:

Racing however, has different plans for Catalan side, as they arrive to bring some points back to Santander. They’ve been defensively very strong throughout all the season and are very motivated after eliminating Zaragoza from Spanish cup three days ago. It is expected from guests to defend, trying to threaten Barça’s goal with swift and very dangerous counter attacks.

Their best player Garay is one of the best defenders in La Liga and proved to be torn in flesh for many prominent strikers with his aggressive tackles and great ability to completely cut opponents strikers off from the rest of the team. Other players to watch are, ex Real Madrid player Pedro Munitis and probably one of the most robust midfielders out there, Aldo Duscher. On the other hand Racing's boss won't be able to count on Ebi Smolarek who has not recovered from an injury.

Camp Nou record:

Barça will try to make their stronghold even more impregnable. Catalan side has lost at home only against Real Madrid 0-1, but won on all other nine occasions and proved to be defensively very stable as they conceded just five goals.

Injury problems:

With Pinto signed for Barça, they managed to fill the void that Joruqera's injury has left. On the other hand, the azulgrana fans are frustrated awaiting comeback of their idols Messi and Ronaldinho. The latter is expected to return in two weeks and Messi probably next week as Frank Rijkaard probably won't rush his return, only if under the stress of circumstances. Edmilson's injury and Toure Yaya's absence due to the African Cup of Nation which will be held in Ghana make problems even more serious as the void in the midfield even widens.

Henry to step in:

Thierry is in best form since in Barcelona and will try to prove it with the same performance as against Murcia. He will be Barcelona's key figure alongside with Bojan and Iniesta in attack.

Recent encounter:

Last match between the two sides finished with an unpopular result 0-0. However, the azulgrana could bring three points to home if it wasn't for the post that stopped Henry's shot from going into the net. On the other side Racing posed constant threat to Victor Valdes with long range shots and fast counter attacks but failed to take advantage of Barca's sluggishness. But it was fair result nevertheless.

Squad:

FC Barcelona: Valdes, Pinto, Zambrotta, Abidal, Puyol, Milito, Márquez, Oleguer , Sylvinho, Thuram, Gujohnsen, Xavi. Giovani, Deco, Henry, Messi, Bojan and Iniesta.