As the business end of the Champions League group stages approaches, Panathinaikos are in something of a state of flux as they welcome Barcelona to Athens for what is a fixture of vital importance for both teams.

Ferreira will have had ample opportunity to have studied Barcelona from closer quarters than Greece over the last few months as he was until recently the coach of Primera Division side Malaga, who were quick to sack him after a disappointing run of results led them into the drop zone.

Playing For Top Spot

European champions in 2009, Barcelona have endured a surprisingly difficult group stage campaign to date. Though they sit top of Group D on eight points, Copenhagen have surprisingly pushed them hard for the headline billing, with away draws in Denmark and against Rubin Kazan ensuring that an entirely smooth campaign has not been possible.

At home, Barca have rubbished talk of their demise, shooting an impressive seven points clear of the main body of sides in La Liga, though trailing Real Madrid heading into next Monday’s Clasico, which is to the forefront of the nation’s mind, despite this testing trip to Greece.

Pep Guardiola’s men showed that they will not be distracted by the prolonged build-up to the Camp Nou clash by simply annihilating Almeria last Saturday. Barca struck eight times in total without reply, with Lionel Messi typically the star of the show in grabbing three, though the supporting cast of Catalan club also flexed their muscles impressively.

Bojan Krkic was one of those who impressed, though he is now focussing on Pana. “Wednesday is a key game for us. The Madrid game will come around soon enough,” he told the media.

“They are a hard team and they’ll make it hard for us. We are playing for the top spot in the group.”

First position should ensure an easier passage through to the quarter-finals, and with a packed schedule forthcoming, Guardiola will want to ensure that Barca’s journey is made as simple as possible.


TEAM NEWS

Panathinaikos

Giorgos Karagounis is the main absentee for the Shamrock. He is suspended.

Jean-Alain Boumsong has overcome an injury concern and should start, while Sotiris Ninis will be in the squad. Sebastian Leto has a knee injury.

Barcelona

Jeffren Suarez is available after nearly a month out, but Eric Abidal hasn’t yet been cleared to play, though the Frenchman has travelled in a squad of 20. Definitely omitted are suspended goalkeeper Jose Pinto and the injured Gabriel Milito.


Prediction
1-4
forza Barca

:d :d :d :d

what a save by Valdes

goalllllllllllllllllll Pedro

oleeeee! Pedro
Barca 1 - 0

See how Messi dey use defenders as if they are on training ground haaaaaaaaaaaaa

Goallllllllll Messi

Goallllllllllll Pedro 0-3

Xavi,Pique,Adriano out for Kieta,Abidal,Maxwell

Barca through with top spot guaranteed and with still a game to go.

3-0. Dominant performance, goals could have been more, Villa hit the post in the 1st half and a host of other chances were spurned. . . great game

Panathinaikos played badly, just staying behind the ball and leaving Cisse to run at the back line. Wishful thinking.

Watch Highlight here

http://.com/Panathinaikos-vs-Barcelona