Raging Bull

Given the will they won't they play scenario of this morning this promises to be a fiery encounter. What otherwise might have seemed like a match where FCB did just have to get off the bus to pick up a 7th straight league win may have just been complicated by some grumpy Spanish air controllers.

What is happening? Who knows. This afternoon the match was announced as having been postponed till tomorrow. Thing is that noone seems to have told Osasuna who were a wee bit miffed. So the match is on. We think.

On paper FCB travel with their best possible squad with the exception of pooor Milito, once again out with injury. An FCB still smiling after the 5-0 win over Real Madrid (certainly the most comprehensive beating I have ever seen them give the Men in White) will have to be aware of complacency. This shouldn't be a problem with Pep in charge (seen in the photo celebrating with then today's opponent, Jose Antonio Camacho, then his national manager), but there are other things to worry about.

Osasuna's main goal threat comes from Lekic (10 league games, 0 goals) and Pandiani (joint top scorer this season with 2 goals), but Barça will also have to watch out for the weather (around 0ºC and snow on the ground), the fans (some of the best in the land and especially fired up after the game almost being called off), the ground (the Reyno de Navarra is one of the tightest grounds in the league) and travel fatigue (as I write they are on the train to Pamplona).

Jose Antonio Camacho famous for proclaiming his love for Andres "Happy Feet" Iniesta in the World Cup will be hoping FCB are shaken, but not stirred because you don't want to see FC Barcelona when they are angry!

Prediction:

Osasuna 1-3 FCB