Barca Facing Critical Week

Barcelona have two season-defining matches in the space of four days that will go a long way in deciding how many trophies they end up with this campaign. And with 16 wins from 18 matches so far this year, the signs are promising.

However, while all the talk is of the Clasico at the top of La Liga on Sunday night, Barcelona can’t afford anything other than 100 percent professionalism against Manchester City tonight.

The players appear to have taken that on board with Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi all in for extra training Monday on their day off, but you would expect nothing less ahead of two huge games from players that have won so much.

The warning signs are there. Mid-table teams like Real Sociedad and Malaga have recently shown this Barca side can be shut out while enjoying success at the other end of the pitch and opponents like City and Real Madrid are capable of turning over any side on their day.