Goal.com previews the action as the Catalans face Muricy Ramalho\'s men in the CWC final, looking to secure yet another trophy for their cabinet.The Copa Libertadores champions will welcome back Leo after being left out of the semi-final due to worries over his fitness. This allows Durval to return to his favoured centre-half position, which fans must hope rectifies the defensive frailties shown against Kashiwa Reysol.Ganso and Elano will look to build attacks from the middle of the park whilst Arouca and Henrique will look to press Barcelona hard and cover the defensive line.Guardiola has a number of injury worries ahead of Sunday\'s final. David Villa has flown back to Spain to undergo surgery on a broken tibia that he suffered in the semi-final victory over Al Sadd.Despite a brace in the previous fixture, Adriano will likely make way for Dani Alves, and Xavi will return to the centre of midfield, possibly at the expense of Thiago Alcantara. Alexis Sanchez is also a doubt so his place could be taken by Cesc Fabregas or possibly Isaac Cuenca. Javier Mascherano also picked up a knock, and is likely to be replaced by the fully rested captain Carlos Puyol. Santos qualified for the Club World Cup by defeating Penarol 2-1 over two legs in the 2011 Copa Libertadores final in June. The Brazilian side won the competition twice in its previous format as the Intercontinental Cup. Their 1962 triumph made them the first team in South America to achieve a quadruple.Brazil is the most successful nation in the competition, supplying three different winners since its inauguration.Barcelona won the competition as recently as 2009 with an extra time goal from Lionel Messi earning victory over Estudiantes.The Catalan lost the last time they faced Brazilian opposition in the Club World Cup, bowing out to Internacional 0-1.Barcelona full back Adriano is currently the competition\'s top scorer. His two goals against Al Sadd leave him two behind compatriot Denilson\'s record of four strikes in a tournament achieved in 2009.
GMT 22:55 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Manchester United retain world's richest club statusGMT 05:19 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Man City midfielder Fernandinho signs contract extension to 2020GMT 13:46 2018 Friday ,19 January
Borussia Dortmund deny contact with Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick AubameyangGMT 13:38 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Chelsea edge into FA Cup fourth round, Bournemouth rockedGMT 10:38 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Arsenal 'target' Malcom faces rap over videoGMT 07:49 2018 Tuesday ,16 January
Football: Giggs set to be named as Wales bossGMT 07:08 2018 Monday ,15 January
Sevilla let Real off hook with Alaves defeatGMT 07:02 2018 Saturday ,13 January
Everton in talks to sign Arsenal's WalcottMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor