CL Preview: FC Barcelona - Olympique Lyonnais

FC Barcelona only need to look at their opponents Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday night to draw inspiration after a slow start to the season.

The Blaugrana have come under increasing pressure to start performing after producing another lacklustre away day display against Osasuna to add to the drab opener against Racing.

In between their was an encouraging win over Athletic, but even that came thanks to a penalty and a dubious goal in a game that the Basque Country side could have taken something from.

Lyon were in the same boat after three matches of the Ligue 1 season as they were beaten by Toulouse and Lorient after opening with a win.

Alain Perrin's credentials as coach were called into question as many wondered whether the all-conquering side's days as champions were numbered.

Bouncing back

Having won the league for the last six seasons, Lyon knew what they were capable of and ignored the criticism, instead aiming on working hard to eradicate their mistakes and build confidence.

The plan worked perfectly as they now head to Camp Nou for the Champions league encounter having won their previous four league matches.

Any remaining critics were truly silenced at the weekend when Lyon went to Metz and dished out a 5-1 hammering to their hosts and reminded everyone that they are after a seventh title on the bounce.

Barça should take note as too many more displays like the one produced on Sunday and the premature calls for Rijkaard to go could grow into a chorus.

No guarantees

The Madrid-biased press have been basking in the Blaugrana's failure to impress after a summer of hype about the 'Fantastic Four' and it is Marca and AS that are making up stories about the Dutch coach's future.

Quite what is wrong at Camp Nou is hard to identify and, as yet, cannot be blamed on too many stars in the changing room, as many have predicted.

A spending spree of close to €70m does not guarantee success, but it is the fact that there is no spark that is causing the biggest concern.

Spark is not something that Lyon are lacking after their recent run and Lilian Thuram believes that they will arrive with a plan to win the game.

RECENT FORM

FC Barcelona

16/09 A Osasuna 0-0
02/09 H Athletic Bilbao 3-1
26/08 A Racing Santander 0-0

Olympique Lyonnais

15/09 A Metz 5-1
01/09 H Le Mans 3-2
29/08 A Sochaux 2-1

TEAM NEWS

FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi was left out of the squad against Osasuna, but only as a precautionary measure after he reported back from international duty with a calf strain and should be declared fit to face Lyon. Samuel Eto'o is out with a thigh injury, while Carles Puyol and Edmílson are also both still sidelined.

Probable Starting XI: Valdés, Zambrotta, Abidal, G. Milito, Thuram, Touré, Xavi, Deco, Ronaldinho, Henry, Messi.

Olympique Lyonnais

The French champions travel to la Ciutat Contal with Gregory Coupet and Cris still out with long-term injuries. Fred is suspended for the opening game of the group stage, but Perrin will be able to call upon Benzema or Ben Arfa to play up front.

Probably Starting XI: Vercoutre, Grosso, Squillaci, Cléber, Clerc, Toulalan, Källström, Bodmer, Juninho, Govou, Benzema.

PREDICTION

Barça will certainly have to raise their game on the biggest stage, but with the talent and experience in their side that should not be a problem and a game of this magnitude could even spark their season into life. Lyon will be confidence as they head into the game, but the Camp Nou is an imposing venue and playing at home always lifts the Blaugrana. While the talk of the visitors looking to attack may have some truth behind it, Perrin will know that even earning a point away from home against the group favourites will set his side up nicely. The hosts will have different ideas however and should just sneak it.

FC Barcelona 2 - 0 Olympique Lyonnais