Barcelona coach on guard

Published Jan. 22, 2010 10:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola claims finishing the first half of the Primera Division season unbeaten would mean nothing ahead of the trip to Real Valladolid.

The league leaders have the chance to do just that on Saturday night in Valladolid, while a win would ensure the Catalans complete the first half of the campaign at least five points clear of closest challengers Real Madrid.

While Madrid, who host Malaga on Sunday, have already lost three times in the league this season, Barca have won 14 and drawn four.

But Guardiola, who verbally agreed to remain at Barcelona for another year earlier this week, knows there is no glory attached to finishing top at the halfway stage.

"Finishing the first half unbeaten doesn't win you any titles," he said.

"It's an anecdote - there are 20 games to go and that's an eternity."

Barcelona face a Valladolid side who have won just three times in La Liga all season, and who lost their last home match 4-0 to Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, Guardiola expects an intense clash.

"They are a very intense and aggressive team that oblige you to be very attentive and they pressurise you from the front," he said.

Guardiola's only real doubt comes in the centre of midfield, where he will look for a defensive-minded player to complement the skills of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Yaya Toure is away at the African Nations Cup, while Sergio Busquets misses out through injury.

That could mean a return to the side for Seydou Keita, who is back from the continental tournament in Angola following the elimination of his national side, Mali.

Mexico defender Rafael Marquez is another option, having played in central midfield for the whole season during 2004/2005. Catalan defender Gerard Pique can also play in central midfield.

Up front, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will start, despite a poor recent run of form which has seen the Sweden striker score just two goals in the last seven matches.

The former Inter Milan forward admits he is well below his brilliant best.

"I'm a realist - when I play badly I admit it and in the last match I played bad, bad, bad," he said.

"I haven't felt good about my game but I will improve and I am working hard."

Despite his poor run, Ibrahimovic has struck 13 goals already this season.

Valladolid head into the encounter just a point above the relegation zone following a disappointing first half of the season.

The Castilians have won just once in the last five league matches and coach Jose Luis Mendilibar knows his side will not be expected to take anything from the match.

"They are big favourites, but we have a chance," he said.

"However, we will have to be at the top of the top of our game to beat them."

Sisi misses out through injury once again, with the winger needing an operation following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.