La Liga (Spanish League) Prediction Thread 2023/24

[Porfirii]

Don't you find it weird when weekends like this arrive and there are no games in La Liga? It is almost like a religious ritual: for many people, football could at least enter the category of "ideology", as they may feel compelled to make some decisions depending on the calendar. I am not that type of person, but I feel a little emptiness on days like today, not being able to watch my favourite teams play against each other.

Friend, may be you have an addiction?  On the one hand, I understand you because I recently experienced similar feelings due to a pause in the Premier League, but there was a different situation - the pause was unexpected. The current pause was known in advance and there was no "cancellation of what you have been waiting for a long time." After all, the teams you follow are associated with certain players - you can follow them in the national team format. Yes, it's not a complete replacement, but still.

As some member said a few days before, nowadays football has more and more similarities with soap operas, and fans are expecting what will happen next every week. I guess that it has to do with dopamine and other hormones which resembles drug addiction. So yes, I may be a bit addicted, but I am not the only one, from what I see

[Avirunes]

I think Xavi can handle his team without losing focus on other competitions. Laliga and Champions League are both important, so I don't think Xavi will keep his best squad on the bench against Mallorca just because the player is expected to do well against Inter in the Champions League. Their main players have to get minutes to play, they have to play even if they have to start from the bench. Xavi's main target is simply to win faster than Mallorca in the first half with a good goal difference, and that could see him attract some players to rest in the second half.

Yeah they need to focus on CL right now as that is the one likely to get out of hand. I still think they won't be able to select their best squad against Inter. Against Mallorca its a bit difficult as Xavi has to manage his players and has to substitute those players which he wants to use in CL in second half. It still will be very hard because Araujo was their main man in defence and without him defence is gonna struggle.

[laurenB7742]

Atletico Madrid's problem is that they are using the same strategies for many years.

I do not know for how long Diego Simeone thinks his park the bus and hostile strategy will work, i don't like how they play their football, they are always on the defensive, waiting for counter attacks to score, and i don't know if he tells his players to be purposely rough and hostile to opposition players, they are always throwing wild challenges all about, and ready to start an altercation at the slightest provocation, they should know better now that the strategy is outdated, and anytime they meet a team that can put the ball on the ground and play football the way it should be, then the chances of Athletico Madrid losing is very high.

I don't think Atletico Madrid's squad is weak. They have a lot of stars and talented players in their squad. However, Atletico Madrid's performance has been poor. I would say that their match strategy is not good so Atletico Madrid is not able to perform well. Diego Simeone should change his match strategy. He has been applying the same match strategy for a long time. Thus a team cannot play consistently well. Because the opponent is already aware of Atletico Madrid's match strategy. I would say Madrid management should change their coach.

[Google+]

Barcelona must move on from Messi because Messi era at Barcelona is over. Now that Barcelona has new young players in its squad, Ansu Fati, Pedri and Gavi are the pearls of Barcelona future. The combination of different generations of players in the Barcelona squad has made the team stronger than ever. If Barcelona insists on bringing Messi back to Camp Nou it won't have much impact on the team because Messi can't play like he used to anymore. Now Messi can only use his experience and the remnants of his energy to help the team he is defending.

The Messi era has long been over. Last season was a transition period, but this season Barcelona are ready to play for the championship with their new squad. Next to Lewandowski, Raphinha and Dembele; with Memphis, Fati and Torres, very good forward triple combinations can be created.
Pedri and Gavi started to be the first choices in the midfield. Barcelona's midfield for the next decade has already been formed. La Masia is very productive again.
Last season was tough, but this squad is very close to the championship this season.

New era and new faces. Well we have to view the achievements of barcelona this season can this transition period be successful by winning the Laliga trophy this season. Barcelona is dominated by star players and their chances in Laliga are big enough to get the title trophy but real madrid as defending champions also had a good rally at the start of this season. well can xavi make this situation different when they meet in El Clasico later. the international break that just took place also had a pretty bad impact on barcelona because some of its core players suffered injuries which would affect their physicality when they returned to their clubs.

[Sirait]

El Clasico is now a long-awaited match, especially since both clubs are showing a good game to watch. But there is bad news for some players who have problems (injury) for defending their respective countries. If they can't play during the El Clasico match, it's a bit of a loss for the club because they can't field the full squad.
A prestigious match will be presented in this match. Whoever will win the match, will ensure a place at the top of the standings.

if it's right on schedule then el Clasico will happen on 16/10 ( it's not until a month away). Reportedly, Xavi and Barca's management have discussed the news about the injuries to their core players (Kounde and De Jong), fortunately, the team that Barca will face in the La Liga next match is Mallorca, so injured players can rest and recover a bit. if kounde and de jong later do not play in the el clasico match then it is certain that barca will be overwhelmed against madrid.

[zuzie]

i don't think barcelona team will keep busquets for another season but de jong is another story it would be a huge loss for barcelona if he refuse to stay i think if the salary is really low he won't stay in the club even if he loves it.

After all the time he has spent for Barcelona, will Barcelona still insist on not considering or keep busquets next season? I think otherwise after see at Barcelona's match record over the last few seasons, Busquets plays a minimum of 30 match for each season.
That leaves room to think that Barcelona still need Sergio Busquets control in midfield
Frenkie de Jong can be Busquets' partner in midfield, and I believe the movement of Barcelona's midfield will be more free with the cooperation of the two midfielders.

[Avirunes]

i don't think barcelona team will keep busquets for another season but de jong is another story it would be a huge loss for barcelona if he refuse to stay i think if the salary is really low he won't stay in the club even if he loves it.

After all the time he has spent for Barcelona, will Barcelona still insist on not considering or keep busquets next season? I think otherwise after see at Barcelona's match record over the last few seasons, Busquets plays a minimum of 30 match for each season.
That leaves room to think that Barcelona still need Sergio Busquets control in midfield
Frenkie de Jong can be Busquets' partner in midfield, and I believe the movement of Barcelona's midfield will be more free with the cooperation of the two midfielders.

There are some strong rumours linking Busquets to MLS and some even say that player also is seriously considering it. Who knows whats going on behind the scenes but I think even if he leaves they have good replacements. It's not about how much matches he plays. Club has been dragging their old players with low salary for a long time and even players agreed to it but it is evident they won't be accepting this situation for long.

Right now they have whole season and world cup to think about so I think we will get to know the situation better at the end of the season.

[Alanaz]

i don't think barcelona team will keep busquets for another season but de jong is another story it would be a huge loss for barcelona if he refuse to stay i think if the salary is really low he won't stay in the club even if he loves it.

After all the time he has spent for Barcelona, will Barcelona still insist on not considering or keep busquets next season? I think otherwise after see at Barcelona's match record over the last few seasons, Busquets plays a minimum of 30 match for each season.
That leaves room to think that Barcelona still need Sergio Busquets control in midfield
Frenkie de Jong can be Busquets' partner in midfield, and I believe the movement of Barcelona's midfield will be more free with the cooperation of the two midfielders.

I've read some news about Busquets a few months ago and there said that he was ready to continue if Barcelona still needed him. But if not, he might think about retiring.
Actually, he can still play at his age but it seems that Barcelona is the last choice and will not accept other European clubs.
I read this statement a few months ago but until now the contract is about to expire, there has been no further discussion about this.

[bekti3]

New era and new faces. Well we have to view the achievements of barcelona this season can this transition period be successful by winning the Laliga trophy this season. Barcelona is dominated by star players and their chances in Laliga are big enough to get the title trophy but real madrid as defending champions also had a good rally at the start of this season. well can xavi make this situation different when they meet in El Clasico later. the international break that just took place also had a pretty bad impact on barcelona because some of its core players suffered injuries which would affect their physicality when they returned to their clubs.

Inevitably they have to force this because even though their target is for the long term but with the amount of spending they spent in the transfer market some time ago and their current financial condition if they want to make a profit they obviously have to bring at least one Trophy to Camp Nou because otherwise this will make things worse and it is not impossible that news of their financial condition is getting worse again next season.

[SatoPrincess]

Barcelona must move on from Messi because Messi era at Barcelona is over. Now that Barcelona has new young players in its squad, Ansu Fati, Pedri and Gavi are the pearls of Barcelona future. The combination of different generations of players in the Barcelona squad has made the team stronger than ever. If Barcelona insists on bringing Messi back to Camp Nou it won't have much impact on the team because Messi can't play like he used to anymore. Now Messi can only use his experience and the remnants of his energy to help the team he is defending.

Messi can not be separated from Barcelona because of his brilliant achievements at the time in Barcelona uniform. It's something that can't be denied, it's just that now many are comparing it. Even when Barcelona is down, Messi's name is always a conversation. This is not good for Barcelona, because if it continues then there will be no progress. I hope those who always talk about Messi move on and have more faith in Barcelona now.

Messi and Barcelona have a strong history and connection, it was so sad to see both parties separated due to financial issues which forced the club to do an overhaul of the heavy wage players which Messi unfortunately happens to fall under this category. Xavi has said before that he wants Messi in his team, there is a possibility Messi could return to the club and end his career with the club.

[snipie]

I heard if Busquet's contract is about to expire. Next year in June, there is no news yet where he will go. But there seems to be an MLS club that wants him. If I'm not mistaken Inter Miami. Until now, there is also no word on whether Barca will use it again or not.
Meanwhile regarding De Jong, he is negotiating with his salary. Due to last season's problems Barcelona had debts to be paid in agreements during the pandemic. Perhaps this is a testament to De Jong's love for Barcelona. He is willing to negotiate the amount of salary that should be His right.

For Busquest, I think Xavi will try to hold him for another year or two if he will continue managing Barcelona. He appreciate him and unless he drops a lot, I assume his contract will be extended.
For De Jong, I don't know how barcelona is thinking but I think that both parties will agree a salary cuts. The problem is the salary that De Jong owes from Barca. Will they cut his salary and reimburse him?

[FanEagle]

Messi will never return to Barca as a player or as someone in the board! He will be club history and the most respected player from Barca but Messi has nothing to do with coaching or having any skills towards management so yea ...he is good with the ball and that's it. ERA of Messi in Barcelona has ended 2 years ago.

Is there a statement about that? Because every player let alone he is a legend of the team it will be very possible to come back, either as a player and or as a coach and maybe as other staff. Even the current coach for Xavi, did anyone previously think that Xavi would return as coach? I don't think it was a planned event. Because a player can take a coaching license when he learns it, so whatever it will be in the future Messi will still return to Barcelona is something that is certain to happen.

To be fair Xavi became a coach as soon as he stopped being a player, he didn't even give a proper break and that is why it looks like he wasn't around because he was managing a team in Qatar, not anyone we know of. So at the end of the day Messi could comeback too, maybe to Barcelona, but he could be in another nation for a while as well, he looks like he may not be a great manager though.

The difference between xavi and Messi is that xavi had the smarts to do what he did as a player, but he didn't had that "skill", he had the minds for it, he played with his mind and played very well and a great footballer mind would turn into a great manager. But Messi has that skill, and would expect his players to have it as well, and would lose when they fail to be like him.

[logfiles]

if it's right on schedule then el Clasico will happen on 16/10 ( it's not until a month away). Reportedly, Xavi and Barca's management have discussed the news about the injuries to their core players (Kounde and De Jong), fortunately, the team that Barca will face in the La Liga next match is Mallorca, so injured players can rest and recover a bit. if kounde and de jong later do not play in the el clasico match then it is certain that barca will be overwhelmed against madrid.

I didn't know about De Jong but if I am not mistaken i read from somewhere that there were injury scares with Ronald Araújo and Memphis Depay alongside Kounde were injured. If it's true then it is a very huge blow for Barça especially for Araújo and Kounde who have been so impressive.

Araújo also played well in the El Clásico.

[herurist]

if it's right on schedule then el Clasico will happen on 16/10 ( it's not until a month away). Reportedly, Xavi and Barca's management have discussed the news about the injuries to their core players (Kounde and De Jong), fortunately, the team that Barca will face in the La Liga next match is Mallorca, so injured players can rest and recover a bit. if kounde and de jong later do not play in the el clasico match then it is certain that barca will be overwhelmed against madrid.

I didn't know about De Jong but if I am not mistaken i read from somewhere that there were injury scares with Ronald Araújo and Memphis Depay alongside Kounde were injured. If it's true then it is a very huge blow for Barça especially for Araújo and Kounde who have been so impressive.

Araújo also played well in the El Clásico.

I read in some news that De Jong was withdrawn by the Netherlands at that time to anticipate that he wouldn't get injured even though he did have a problem but I don't think he was too bad when compared to Araujo and Kounde because they reportedly have to rest a few weeks to recover which means there are several matches which they have to miss.

[lalabotax]

Did you just mentions Pique and Eric Garcia?

Why do you think Barcelona tried to bring in the likes of Kounde even when their financial position sucked? Because a player like pique is way past his top quality football performance. Pique is no longer the kind of Defender you used to know.

Imagine him facing up with the likes of Vini Jr one on one  

I know Kounde is much better than Pique or Eric Garcia, but they have no many options. Araujo is injured, too. Only Pique, Christensen, and Eric Garcia are available as the center-backs. If Xavi thinks Pique-Garcia looks like a bad idea, he may choose Christensen-Garcia as the option.

Vini is a fast winger, Xavi shouldn't rely on Pique to keep Vini. Xavi must order Bellerin or Roberto to anticipate Vini. Don't think the defensive line is only center-backs, there are left and right backs as well.

[izsara]

Barcelona must move on from Messi because Messi era at Barcelona is over. Now that Barcelona has new young players in its squad, Ansu Fati, Pedri and Gavi are the pearls of Barcelona future. The combination of different generations of players in the Barcelona squad has made the team stronger than ever. If Barcelona insists on bringing Messi back to Camp Nou it won't have much impact on the team because Messi can't play like he used to anymore. Now Messi can only use his experience and the remnants of his energy to help the team he is defending.

The Messi era has long been over. Last season was a transition period, but this season Barcelona are ready to play for the championship with their new squad. Next to Lewandowski, Raphinha and Dembele; with Memphis, Fati and Torres, very good forward triple combinations can be created.
Pedri and Gavi started to be the first choices in the midfield. Barcelona's midfield for the next decade has already been formed. La Masia is very productive again.
Last season was tough, but this squad is very close to the championship this season.

Even though if they forced La Masia from the start I think it would still be good in the previous few seasons but after the golden era they left they didn't seem to really see the potential in La Masia even though this was their main asset because there had already given birth to a lot of quality players.
And now in the Barcelona squad there are many more young players who have come out of La Masia and this is obviously very good for them.

[W Jr.]

I heard if Busquet's contract is about to expire. Next year in June, there is no news yet where he will go. But there seems to be an MLS club that wants him. If I'm not mistaken Inter Miami. Until now, there is also no word on whether Barca will use it again or not.
Meanwhile regarding De Jong, he is negotiating with his salary. Due to last season's problems Barcelona had debts to be paid in agreements during the pandemic. Perhaps this is a testament to De Jong's love for Barcelona. He is willing to negotiate the amount of salary that should be His right.

For Busquest, I think Xavi will try to hold him for another year or two if he will continue managing Barcelona. He appreciate him and unless he drops a lot, I assume his contract will be extended.
For De Jong, I don't know how barcelona is thinking but I think that both parties will agree a salary cuts. The problem is the salary that De Jong owes from Barca. Will they cut his salary and reimburse him?

If de Jong wants to stay in barcelona he should cut his salary. I think Barcelona is happy with his performance. What makes them think is his salary. If he does not lower his Salary and asks for the same money, we keep hearing news that he may be transferred to another team for a long time.

[Jody.Drummer]

El Clasico is now a long-awaited match, especially since both clubs are showing a good game to watch. But there is bad news for some players who have problems (injury) for defending their respective countries. If they can't play during the El Clasico match, it's a bit of a loss for the club because they can't field the full squad.
A prestigious match will be presented in this match. Whoever will win the match, will ensure a place at the top of the standings.

The El clasico is a very prestigious game, one which hold much expectations from football fanatics and from parts of the world. This is a game that most fans are waiting to see this season especially now that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have very competitive squads who will really put up a good and entertaining show. I also have expectations in that game and I wish full recovery for players from both teams so the game will be really tough and aggressively competitive.

It's a little different when you see El Clasico this season with the previous season because now there is a bit of spice because with Lewandowski who is clearly a challenger for Benzema in the top scorer which makes this come alive again because I feel a competition like this has happened between Messi and Ronaldo After the two goats left, this kind of rivalry ceased to exist and El Clasico seemed more monotonous.

if it's right on schedule then el Clasico will happen on 16/10 ( it's not until a month away). Reportedly, Xavi and Barca's management have discussed the news about the injuries to their core players (Kounde and De Jong), fortunately, the team that Barca will face in the La Liga next match is Mallorca, so injured players can rest and recover a bit. if kounde and de jong later do not play in the el clasico match then it is certain that barca will be overwhelmed against madrid.

Not only that, there is also Araujo who is still receiving treatment now.
Barcelona have confirmed that Kounde is reportedly suffering from a thigh problem and is expected to be out for around four to five weeks. and Araujo, who is suspected of having an adductor muscle injury, still has to return to conduct further examinations whether to be absent for a long or short term.
If this is true then it is certain that Kounde will not be able to play in his El Clasico for the first time.

[nurilham]

Agree with what you said because even though Messi was there when their midfield was not replenished by Maestro tiki taka because Xavi and Iniesta left actually Barcelona's golden era began to falter from there.

Yes, without proper midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta, Messi can't shine again as previously. His era is over once Iniesta decided to leave Barcelona. Although Barcelona has many good midfielders, there are no midfielders that can replace the roles of Xavi or Iniesta. In my opinion, when tiki-taka era is over, Messi era is over as well.

Messi in PSG was not the same like when he was in barcelona. I just said based on what i have been watching between when he was in barcelona and PSG, there are different things when he was in barcelona and PSG. When xavi and iniesta gone, messi still able to give very big contribution to the barcelona. The era for messi already gone and this is the fact. This time his performance in PSG was not so impressive like when he was in barcelona but i know that there are so many variables who affected his performance in PSG

Of course, it is because Messi is getting old and Messi is no longer getting the service as he got in Barcelona previously. When he was in Barcelona, he is a special player, he is the target man and every player tries to give assists to him as many as possible. But in PSG he is no longer a special player, he must work hard to score. He doesn't get many chances to score as he ever experienced in Barcelona.

[terrorJR]

If de Jong wants to stay in barcelona he should cut his salary. I think Barcelona is happy with his performance. What makes them think is his salary. If he does not lower his Salary and asks for the same money, we keep hearing news that he may be transferred to another team for a long time.

He has been willing to take a pay cut for the last few seasons but Barcelona's treatment is actually not very wise for De Jong even in the last week when the transfer of players was about to close there was never a talk of him being sanctioned if he didn't want to leave even though they still had debts for De Jong's salary arrears.
Actually they should be better now because it would be very disappointing if they only wanted his services regardless of the rights he had to receive.