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Real Zaragoza v Barcelona: Preview
All eyes will be on Barcelona to see if they can respond to their stuttering form of late when they face Zaragoza.
The Azulgrana saw their lead at the top of the Primera Liga cut to four points when Atletico Madrid became the first team this season to visit the Nou Camp and claim three points.
They are now feeling the full force of Real Madrid breathing down their necks with Wanderley Luxemburgo's side having won their last six games on the trot.
Barca have lost their early season prowess and the appetite for success appears to have been replaced by players beginning to show the strain.
Frank Rijkaard's side has been reliant on moments of inspiration from players like Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho but finally their luck ran out against Atletico last Sunday when they conceded a first-minute goal and were unable to get back into the match, while Ronaldinho missed a second-half penalty.
Outwardly the club are claiming that they are confident of not being caught, with sports director Txiki Begiristain following president Joan Laporta in stating it publicly.
"We are the best team in the competition and you can say that without argument. With the exception of the game against Villarreal, we have always dominated and been superior in almost all the matches. I have the same confidence as I did before, although I do recognise the good form of Madrid," he said.
"Madrid are playing well and I think that it is logical that after six wins consecutively that you are going to close the gap, but I will reflect on what happened before when they were four points behind and then it was extended to 11, I believe that the same situation will happen again.
"I hope that we now have a positive reaction from the players against Zaragoza."
Both midfielder Deco and Oleguer Presas are doubts for the match with a back and pelvis injury respectively.
Zaragoza have talked about little else other than the behaviour of referees this week after being on the receiving end of some highly questionable decisions recently.
Last weekend they were beaten 2-1 by Albacete as a result of two debatable penalties.
The club is now planning a protest in the game against Barca, where fans will all show red cards to the referee Carmona Mendez.
"We don't ask that they give or do not give us decisions but when they permanently don't we suffer. People say that at the end of the season everything will sort itself out but we will have to see," said Victor Munoz.
Zaragoza will be without Luis Garcia, David Villa and Oscar Gonzalez who are all suspended.
Zaragoza vs.
Barcelona
