The countdown begins

The countdown begins

Barça begin the final run-in of 12 league games when they visit Recreativo Huelva. Rikjaard, who has not called up Marquez for this game, hopes that his team can hold on to top spot for another week.
In a weekend of matches that on paper is favourable to Barça's rivals all play at home against sides in the bottom half of the table-, Barcelona will be aiming to consolidate their lead at the top of the table with a win in Huelva (20h00 Barça TV). FC Barcelona with all their stars available once again may revert back to the 4-3-3 formation used up until the match with Zaragoza.
The doubt over 4-3-3:

Everything points to the likelihood that, barring any last minute surprises, Frank Rikjaard with revert to the classic 4-3-3 formation used all through the first part of the season and not the 3-4-4 used recently against Zaragoza, Liverpool, Sevilla and Real Madrid. The inclusion of four fullbacks in the squad (Gio, Sylvinho, Belletti and Zambrotta) would suggest that Rikjaard will go with a four-man defence using two fullbacks.
The absence of Marquez:

As was the case v Athletic Bilbao, Marquez has been left out of the squad. The absence of the Mexican (who had been a starter in the four games mentioned above) did not prevent Barça from easing to a 3-0 win. On that occasion Edmilson took over the role of defensive pivot and may do so again this evening. In that case either Xavi, Deco or Iniesta would have to start on the bench.
Uche and Pongolle, the dangers:

The hosts for their part have the attack as their strong point. Their front two of Nigerian Uche and Frenchman Sinama Pongolle has amassed 15 goals between them this season. The two attackers pose the principal threat for the Barcelona defence. Barça will at least be happy that Cazorla - another key player in the Recreativo attack - will not be playing.
The challenge of winning away: The fact that Barça have been without an away league win since beating Mallorca (1-4) is an added motivation for FC Barcelona. The Barça players have demonstrated in recent weeks their ability to beat top class opposition in their own stadium (Zaragoza in the cup and Liverpool in the Champions League)