Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Bem-vindo ao Brasil (Welcome To Brasil) - The World Cup Is Here

The wait is over, the biggest party in the football calender is merely a few hours away. Every four years this extraordinary, magnificent and phenomenal spectacle captures the world's imagination. As a South African, I must be honest that I wish it could return, looking back I can't believe it was 4 years to the day we were getting ready to kick off the tournament. It is Brazil's turn now and I am sure they will deliver, as they supported us in 2010 we should rightly support them in 2014. 





This is how the groups look :



Group A

  • Brazil
  • Croatia
  • Mexico
  • Cameroon
(Prediction)

1. Brazil
2. Mexico 
Group B

  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Chile
  • Australia
(Prediction)

1. Spain
2. Netherlands

Group C

  • Columbia
  • Greece
  • Ivory Coast
  • Japan
(Prediction)

1.Ivory Cost
2. Columbia

Group D

  • Uruguay 
  • Cost Rica
  • England
  • Italy
(Prediction)

1. Uruguay
2. Italy

Group E

  • Switzerland
  • Ecuador
  • France
  • Honduras
(Prediction)

1. France
2. Switzerland
Group F

  • Argentina
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina
  • Iran
  • Nigeria
(Prediction)

1. Argentina
2. Nigeria

Group G

  • Germany
  • Portugal
  • Ghana
  • USA
(Prediction)

1. Germany
2. Portgual

Group H

  • Belgium
  • Algeria
  • Russia
  • Korea Republic
(Prediction)

1. Belgium
2. Russia




Without a doubt the biggest concern for the World Cup has been the injuries leading up to the tournament, but that is football unfortunately, each manager has had time to select appropriately. The World Cup in my opinion is the biggest intentional competition in the world, there is no greater opportunity. For every player out there, they know their country and millions around the world will be watching them. 

The pressure is on Brazil, their people expect...perhaps demand them to win the trophy. Brazil's record at home in international football is phenomenal, they have not lost a game since 2002 (which was a friendly), but to find a competitive game which matters...Brazil haven't lost one of those since 1975. Its a scary stat which makes the home team firm favorites for the crown, the crowd is behind them, history is behind them.     


Its not just form thats backing Brazil, the numbers don't lie either. Nate Silverman developed a algorithm with SPI (Sport Power Index) & ESPN during the 2010 World Cup, the system has been used to demonstrate why Brazil are the favorites once again. 




To check out the full article on the 'Its Brazil's World Cup to Lose' click on the link The Algorithm vs. The Market



Star Players : Who To Watch At The World Cup


Group A

Brazil: Neymar Jr.

Hosts Brazil will be hunting for their sixth World Cup title, but their first on home soil and second in South America, after their triumph in Chile in 1962.  Neymar, who became one of the highest paid players in the world while still a teenager at Santos, will be key to their success if they want to win. He already has 31 goals at international level, and he’s likely score many in a relatively easy group (for Brazil, at least). A joy to watch, he has endured a slightly erratic season at Barcelona, but has still managed to plunder 15 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. Neymar will no doubt be looking  to prove his nay-sayers wrong at this tournament by powering Brazil to the title.

Croatia: Ivan Rakitic

Croatia’s best placing at the World Cup is the third place finish that they achieved in 1998, which was also their World Cup debut. Sevilla’s attacking midfielder Ivan Rakitic will be crucial if Croatia are to make it out of the group ahead of Mexico and Cameroon.  Rakitic was born in Switzerland, but chose to represent Croatia at international level. He is coming off the back of an impressive first season as captain at Sevilla, where the personal highlight was a mid-air back-heel  over Pepe’s head and then pass for Carlos Bacca against Real Madrid. Rakitic has been surrounded by rumours of a transfer to Barcelona, but is unlikely to let that get in the way of a successful tournament. His partnership with Luka Modric behind Mario Mandzukic (most likely Ivica Olic for the first game due to Mandzukic’s suspension) will be one of the better pairings to watch in this World Cup.

Mexico: Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez

Cameroon: Samuel Eto’o

Cameroon were once one of Africa’s strongest teams at the World Cup, but recently have lived up to expectations, despite consistently qualifying for the World Cup. This time around, however, they have a good chance of making it out of their group, and they will be relying on their captain and greatest player, Samuel Eto’o to do so. Eto’o will be appearing in a World Cup for the fourth, and possibly last time and has begun to wind down his club career. Eto’o can still do a good job as a striker, and at Chelsea he managed to score 12 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions, despite Jose Mourinho’s criticisms of his age. He intends to compete in 2018, though at 33, it is looking doubtful that he will be able to continue at club level for much longer, let alone another World Cup.






Group B

Spain: Andres Iniesta

Spain are world and European champions, and will be looking to retain their title and avenge their defeat in the Confederations Cup last year. This task is made all the more harder by their placement in the “Group of Death” with The Netherlands, Chile and Australia. With Xavi aging and not as imperious as he was 4 years ago, Andres Iniesta will be the man that the Spaniards look to to pull the strings in midfield. Iniesta is still one of the best passers in the game, and regardless of which striker (or false 9) he has ahead of him, he can still impact the game like few other players. The man who scored the winner in the final against The Netherlands 4 years ago, Iniesta is effective as both the holding player in the pivot or as more of a box-to-box player, and Vincente Del Bosque will probably use him in both roles.

The Netherlands: Robin Van Persie

3 times runners-up, The Netherlands will be hoping to finally get their hands on the trophy this time around, although they have to navigate a tough group and a potentially tough Round of 16 tie first. They’ll be looking to captain Robin Van Persie to get them through it, and Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal will be looking to him to show better form than he did for Manchester United last season. As he has shown (especially in his final season at Arsenal), Van Persie is more than capable of carrying a team and the importance of the World Cup is unlikely to affect him, as he has played in 2 previous World Cups. Expect him to mount a challenge for the Golden Boot should the Netherlands make it out of the group.

Chile: Alexis Sanchez

Australia: Tim Cahill

Group C

Colombia: Juan Cuadrado

Greece: Kostas Mitroglu

Ivory Coast: Yaya Toure

The Ivory Coast is perhaps Africa’s best chance to go far in this competition, with Ghana having been placed in a very tough group. Key to any success will be Yaya Toure. One of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world, Yaya Toure powered Manchester City to the Premier League title last season, but is currently embroiled in a dispute with the club over the apparent lack of celebration for his birthday. It is, however, doubtful that this will affect Yaya’s performances at the World Cup, and we can all expect some top drawer performances from him. Yaya’s ability in the centre of the park will make things easier for the likes of Didier Drogba and Gervinho to grab a few goals, and when the other players are unable to score, Yaya is more than capable of picking up the slack. Should the Ivory Coast reach the quarter finals, expect Yaya to be named in the Team of the Tournament.

Japan: Keisuke Honda

Group D

Uruguay: Luis Suarez/Diego Forlan

Uruguay will be looking to repeat the feats of their legendary 1950 side, who shocked hosts Brazil to win the World Cup. That loss prompted a certain 10 year old by the name of Pele to tell his father that he would win the World Cup for him one day. Luis Suarez is currently struggling with a meniscus injury and it is looking doubtful that last season’s Premier League top scorer will be able to play at the World Cup. Should he be ruled out, expect Diego Forlan to step in. Forlan is currently winding down his career at Cerezo Osaka in Japan, and despite his advanced age of 35, he is still one of Uruguay’s key players, especially in light of Edinson Cavani’s poor season at Paris Saint-Germain. Forlan was named the best player at the 2010 World Cup, and he still has enough quality to take his team far in this competition.

Costa Rica: Bryan Ruiz

England: Wayne Rooney

England will, as always, have high hopes that they can win a second World Cup, and they have some exciting young players, most notably Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling. Despite this, their key player will be one of the old hands, Wayne Rooney. Once hailed as the “English Pele,” Rooney has failed to perform well at any of the 4 international tournaments he has been to with the Three Lions and there are calls for him to be dropped from the starting XI for this tournament. However, it is unlikely that Roy Hodgson will do this, and should Rooney start, expect all of England’s play to go through him, especially since Gerrard is playing in a deeper role. England will be hoping that Rooney will finally show his club form for his country.

Italy: Andrea Pirlo

Italy will be aiming for their 5th World Cup title, and after a dismal showing as champions 4 years ago, having gone out in the group stages, will be looking to at least reach the semi finals, if not the final. For this they will look to Jesus lookalike himself, Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo has found renewed form at Juventus after being released by AC Milan 3 years ago, and has remained one of the game’s best playmakers. Pirlo is a magician on the pitch, and he is still more than capable of producing the extra bit of skill necessary to win games, despite his advanced age of 35. Should Italy ever find themselves on the back foot in a game, expect Pirlo to provide the game changer. Containing him will be a tough ask for any player playing against Italy.
Group E

Switzerland: Xherdan Shaqiri

Switzerland are ranked 6th in the world, and will be hoping to live up to that rank in the upcoming World Cup. They’ll be hoping that Xherdan Shaqiri can help they do this, with the Bayern Munich player’s runs at the opposition proving a great outlet for the rest of the team. Shaqiri is only 22, and is not a regular starter for Bayern, but is already one of the best players to come out of Switzerland. His pace makes it tough for defenders to deal with, and keep an eye out for his runs into the box or crosses in to Haris Seferovic and Josip Drmic.

Ecuador: Antonio Valencia

France: Paul Pogba

France’s main aim will be to avoid the melt down of the 2010 World Cup, and this aim has led to Didier Deschamps’ decision to drop Samir Nasri from the World Cup squad. Franck Ribery’s injury means that he wont feature at the World Cup, and that Paul Pogba will become the key man for the French. Pogba was let go by Manchester United in 2012, and has made them regret it ever since. He was one of Juventus’ key players in their last 2 title winning seasons, and when you watch him, you can see why. His vision and command of the pitch is remarkable for his age, and for France his partnership with Blaise Matuidi has proved very effective. France will be hoping that Pogba can replicate the form he showed a year ago at the u20 World Cup, where he was named Best Player and step up to the senior stage. He is tipped to be a future French captain, and his leadership in the middle of the park is evident in every game he plays. While Pogba has a penchant for the spectacular, and has scored many wonderful goals, he does however, have a slight discipline problem, and Deschamps will be hoping that he does not rule himself out of any matches through the accumulation of yellow cards.

Honduras: Andy Najar

Group F:

Argentina: Lionel Messi

Argentina are expected to make the semi-finals, and boasting a side including Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi, it is not difficult to see why this is the case. Messi, undoubtedly one of the best footballers ever, has yet to really shine on the world stage. At 27, this may be his last opportunity. For many, the only thing stopping Messi from surpassing Pele and Maradona and becoming the best player ever is his poor World Cup form. With the team built around him, it will be difficult for Messi to not do well this year.

Bosnia: Edin Dzeko
Iran: Reza Ghoochannejhad

Nigeria: John Obi Mikel

Nigeria will be hoping to make it out of their group, especially considering that they’re African champions. They failed to make it out of their group 4 years ago, so reaching the round of 16 this time around will be a vast improvement. John Obi Mikel plays with more freedom and creativity than he does at Chelsea, and he powered Nigeria to the African Cup of Nations title last year. Mikel will be able to get forward more than he does for Chelsea, and that has been key for Stephen Keshi’s side. Mikel will be hoping that Mourinho watches him closely to see how good he is playing further forward, and hopefully that will lead to a new role for him at the London club.

Group G

Germany: Philipp Lahm

Germany will be aiming to win the title after 2 third-place finishes in a row preceded by a runners-up medal in 2002. Philipp Lahm  Will be headed to this World Cup as captain for a second time, and possibly in a third role for his country. Having played immensely well on the left side of the defence in 2006 (including a screamer in the opener against Costa Rica), then excelling at right-back in 2010, it is likely that Jogi Löw will use him in his new midfield role, where he has played for Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola. Lahm has shown over his career how versatile he is, and despite being a defender, he has only collected 2 yellow cards throughout his career. His leadership, versatility and discipline will all be key for Germany as they try to win their 4th title.

Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal will be hoping to make the quarters, and they have a decent team at their disposal, not least of whom is Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is undoubtedly the best player in the world at the moment, and like his “rival,” Lionel Messi, has never really shone at a World Cup.  Like Messi, his time is running out. At 29, he needs to show what he can do on the greatest stage of all. He is a doubt however, with tendonitis, which a Nigerian witch doctor has claimed to have caused. If Ronaldo manages to shake off his injury, expect him to be almost unstoppable.

Ghana: Kevin-Prince Boateng

Ghana were unlucky to be knocked out at the quarter-final stages in 2010, with Luis Suarez’s handball on the line followed by Gyan’s missed penalty leading to a penalty shoot-out which they lost. Suarez has since been persona non-grata in most of Africa. They will want to reach the semi-finals this time around (and become the first African side to do so), and Kevin-Prince Boateng will be crucial to their chances. Boateng was born in Germany, and as he did in 2010, will face his half-brother Jerome, who plays for Germany. Boateng excelled while at AC Milan, but after several racist incidents, he returned to Germany with Schalke. His play is immense, and it helped Ghana reach the quarters 4 years ago. He, and Ghana, will be hoping that he can emulate that success.

USA: Clint Dempsey

Group H

Belgium: Eden Hazard

Belgium are returning to the World Cup after failing to qualify for the last 2 tournaments. They go to the tournament as 5th favourites to win. Their squad this time around is packed with loads of talent, from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to striker Romelu Lukaku, but their most talented player is Eden Hazard. Hazard is one of the best players in the Premier League, and he will be key if Belgium are to go far in this tournament. Many expect Belgium to reach the semi-finals, but personally I think that their lack of international tournament experience in the squad will let them down. Despite this, they should reach the quarters at least. Hazard is poised to light up the World Cup, and he should make the Team of the Tournament. Hazard’s play on the wing will most likely draw a few defenders and free up space for Lukaku to do some damage in. Hazard’s skill and decision making is almost unrivalled and he has been terrorizing Premier League defences for the last 2 years. His age means that we’ll be watching him for years to come, and hopefully, for Belgium, it means that they’ll win a world cup one day.

Algeria: Sofiane Feghouli

Algeria finished bottom of their group 4 years ago, and they will be hoping to avoid that fate this time around. Sofiane Feghouli, having played for France at youth level, will be hoping he can help his side get out of their group for the first time ever, and his abilities mean that while he does not score very often, he gets many assists for his team mates, most notably Islam Slimani.

Russia: Igor Akinfeev

South Korea: Son Hyueng-Min


By Samir Gelb

If You'd like to follow Samir during the World Cup you can do so by clicking on the link below

Twitter : SamirGelb



Once again thank you to all of you for your support, I really hope you enjoy the first few games of World Cup. Make sure to stay by for future blogs, regarding the knock out stages and group stage wrap up.

If you would like to follow me on twitter you can do so here ----> Denisao4





Tuesday, May 13, 2014

History vs. Innovation - Nike vs. Adidas (Speed Battle)


Without a doubt all eyes are on Brazil, but with a few matches still to play in the Spanish domestic season and UEFA Champions League to look forward to, the intensity for glory on the field is still there.



Nike

The old battle between Nike & Adidas is back, stronger than ever. Earlier this year I was able to test the two speed boots under the F50 & Mercurial Vapor range. Every team needs a captain, we all know the two big front runners for these mammoth brands are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. 

The final Mercurial for 2014 was made by Nike earlier this year, the boot was broken in by Cristiano Ronaldo, Nike's lead face for the Mercurial elite series in 2010, is the only player to wear the boots. The Portuguse front-man has been due an update, having worn the Mercurial 'Flash-Pack' boots since January, wore the boots in this years El Clasico at the Bernabeu. 

Four years ago South Africa witnessed Nike's most ground-breaking boot pack to date, featuring breakthrough innovations never seen before and unique color combinations designed for increased visibility. The collection became an instant classic. The boot is a normal Mercurial with Talon studs inspired by a Cheetah's claws, without a doubt this was the best boot pack that Nike had launched since the Euro's in 2008.





The inner sole of the boot shows the moment of which the newly released boots were inspired, Cristiano Ronaldo was named man of the match in all three group stage games in South Africa in 2010. Many fans might question bringing back a boot thats already been launched, but if you have purchased this boot do you not only have a decent Mercurial Vapor, but a piece of history. 


Wrap Up & Rating

I must say I really enjoyed playing with these boots, it reminded me of the World Cup in South Africa. Nike had a plan and it worked, it wasn't meant to be a new design or new boot. The only differences were that Nike used the new dimple technology for these boots, including the stud design. Performance wise its nothing different to how the MV usually performs, but as the final Mercurial of 2014 I would have liked for Nike to perhaps do a different type of send off. All in all it was a pleasure to test these out, like I said before to many will it as just a boot, but it is a piece of history without a doubt. 

XTBootBattle Rating : 7/10 


Nike's Race For Glory

How do Nike rate in terms of their build up to the World Cup?

Nike's biggest asset is their marketing team, this was clear to see with their incredible 'RISK EVERYTHING' advert for the World Cup.






Without a doubt this has been one the best adverts/commercials Nike have made in a long time, building up to the World Cup its certainly put the heat on Adidas. The World Cup kits are also very well marketed, some designs better than others, but the big 3 stars' sides (Ronaldo - Rooney - Neymar) can't complain about how their sides will look in Brazil. Their new boot color ways for the World Cup look great as well, launching a couple new boots and designs. Without question Nike are certainly ready to battle Adidas in Brazil, on and off the pitch.  




Adidas


Mr Messi's much anticipated boots, the Samba color clash...must say on first view this is a beautiful boot. Every angle looks amazing, I've been fortunate to test out all of Messi's custom boots and this has to be my favorite.

Speaking on the boots inspiration, adidas Senior Product Manager Antoine Hadjimanolis explained: "The design inspiration is taken from the energy sources that inspire Messi and where these come from. He gets his energy from friends, family, team-mates and the people of his country and each of these four are incoprorated into the Samba colours in a way that looks like they're coming from the ground into the shoe."

As usual the packaging is outstanding, apart from a boot bag, Adidas hit the sweet spot once again. Many players around the world will look at these boots with great envy, not only does the magic Messi get to wear them, it has his name right there for all to see.  

The boot has had a few changes, its more styled on the recent F50 revamp. There is slightly more padding, but overall its exactly the same F50 boot design. The Samba splash colors are unique and keeping up with Adidas' goal of making visual assaults in the football boot market.


  
Performance wise, it really hasn't been the best season for Messi and his side. They have not done as well as many would have thought, but Messi will certainly hope to put things right in Brazil for Argentina.

 Wrap Up & Rating

I'm a very big fan of the Messi boots, each one has bettered the previous and its exactly the same with these. The comfort, weight and traction are all incredible and until I started testing the Messi boots I considered myself a Nike man. Adidas have really cracked the code in making a boot that looks great and performs well. These boots are all special, if not for playing they are certainly a collectible. 

XTBootBattle Rating : 9/10


Adidas' Race For Glory




As a start, it doesn't hurt to be the official sponsor of the tournament...in that regard Nike can't compete. As usual at this time of year both brands lock horns, marketing wise Adidas have done their level best to catch up with Nike's master powers. 

They recently launched their 'Battle Boot Pack' with their World Cup slogan 'All In Or Nothing'




Spread across all four of adidas' silo's, the adizero F50, Predator LZ, Nitrocharge and 11Pro have all been given a unique black, white and gold update that is a visual representation of the adidas “all in or nothing” 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign. Each boot is exactly 50% white and 50% black and the fiery gold colour of the three stripes represents the FIFA World Cup trophy.

The black and white patterns of the boots have been inspired by the warpaint of native warriors and the iconic pavement patterns of ancient Mesopotamia perfected on the Copacabana beach. The individual patterns are designed to express the attributes of each boot, as well as the attitude and abilities of the player type who wears them as they fight for victory.




Adidas have always held the advantage over Nike in terms of making better products, kits and boots, but Nike have been catching up. Adidas have pushed themselves beyond all expectations for the World Cup, technology wise and style of their products. The showdown of who will perform better is certainly something that wets the appetite, the world is counting down the days to the World Cup. 





I hope you enjoyed this special #XTBootBattle blog, many thanks to Soccer Bible for some great information and a selection of pics. If you would like to follow Boot Bible on Twitter or on the web, you can do so here




  • Web : soccerbible.com
  • Twitter : @SoccerBible 


  •  Also if you would like to follow me, you can do so by clicking the link below!


    Thanks as always for reading and make sure not to miss out on our next blogs, UCL Final and World Cup build up.

    Saturday, March 15, 2014

    Derby Day - 'We Want Goals'

    It's the biggest game in South African football, no other match in Africa can trump the meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

    Chiefs are currently top of the league with 43 points, while their rivals are sitting in 4th with a game in hand. On current form both clubs could would be happier, but on a derby day anything can happen. 




    With a lot riding on this game, everyone will be looking for entertainment and excitement. Every supporter you ask will opt for an end to end extravaganza, but if you ask the managers they will want the opposite. There is no doubt the fans will demand three points, including a little to rub in their friends faces on Monday morning.


    If the drama or stories couldn’t get any juicier, the former Kaizer Chiefs manager VV is back. The Serbian recently took charge of the Buccaneers, how the fans and players will react is still to be seen, but if he can start off with a derby win all will be forgotten and a new chapter will begin.

    The way things have been going for both teams, I see Kaizer Chiefs as the favourites for this game. Although form counts for nothing in such an encounter, sometimes it can weigh in the superior clubs favour. Attack is the name of the game and we need goals for excitement, scoreless draws are terrible when there is so much build up. WE WANT GOALS!! 


    Striker Battle

    Knowledge Musona - The Zimbabwean striker has been on hot form, the Pirates players will need to be alert. He has scored 6 goals in 16 games, although that may not be extremely impressive, he is stepping up from when he started. 



    Bernard Parker - The Bafana-Bafana striker is the countries' in form goal scorer, he will be looking to add to his 10 goals. Parker is always willing to help his team out, his high work rate and positive attitude on the field feeds off to the rest of the players.
      








    Kermit Erasmus - The young forward has not been a major hit at Pirates since joining, his goal scoring form isnt the best, but some will argue that Kermit adds more to the team than just goals. He will certainly be looking to hit the ground running today!.




    Lehlohonolo Majoro - 'Major' is some what the forgotten son, the former Chiefs striker will be hungry to score against his former employers. Although he claims the game is not about him showing up his old club, but you can bet that deep down he will defintely want to fire a couple goals against Kaizer Chiefs. In a recent interview with Soccer Laduma he said, “This match is not about me. I know people want to see me playing but this is about Pirates beating Chiefs. We will play as a team.

    “I’m preparing myself; Chiefs fans might try to boo me, but it is part of the game. I will stay focused because like I said, this match is not about me. If selected, I will try my best to help the team win,” 



    Deciding Factor

    As always in games like these I believe the battle will be won in the midfield, whoever can control the pace of the game best will most likely win. Often in derby games when there is a lot to be won/lost, the first 10-15 minutes are cagey and cautious. The managers will hope their players do not fall into the trap that the big occasion can lay in front of them, rather they will look to the senior players to lead. 

    In terms of the battle between both managers, I feel Stewart Baxter will come out on top. The Kaizer Chiefs 'gaffer' knows his player far better and knows how to beat 'The Sea Robbers', as for his counterpart he is still new in the hot seat and will not know his players too well. On the other hand, a new manager means a fresh start, players are hungry to prove themselves so it can become a positive.

    Hopefully we all get to see a exciting and beatufiul game, the derby always brings flavor to the country. You certainly don't want to miss out, so get to the stadium today...if not watch it at home or with some mates. 


    Prediction

    FIFA 14 - Orlando Pirates 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs

    My Prediction - Orlando Pirates 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs


    Thanks as always for reading, hope you enjoyed the Derby Day special. We would also like to congratulate Catherine, Kananelo & Ntsuku who won the Cross Trainer & Legacy Lifestyle Soweto Derby competition, we hope you will enjoy today's game.








       

    Friday, October 25, 2013

    El Clasico - Barcelona vs. Real Madrid - La Liga BBVA

    The biggest game in club football is back...


    El Clasico!

    The eyes of the footballing world will be firmly fixed on the Camp Nou this Saturday, on one side is Gerardo Martino’s Catalans, a side full of youth academy players, turned superstars, brought up on the doctrine of tika-taka football.

    Opposite them stands Carlo Ancelotti and his Madrid (Galacticos), a team who’ve never been afraid to spend big on the world’s best players to achieve on-field and commercial success.


    The Managers 

    We've become used to seeing either Mourinho, Pep or Tito at the helm when these two battle, but this season it will be a clash between two new managers.

    Carlo Ancelotti 




    So far its been a effective start for the Real Madrid manager, but the fans will always want more. Considering Los Blancos are 3 points behind Barcelona, he will understand that he cannot lose this massive game.

    Experience - Carlos has manged at clubs like Juve, Milan, Chelsea and PSG and will know about those big derby's. El Clasico is obviously in a league of its own, but the 'eye-brow' man will be confident of winning this weekend.


    Gerardo Martino







    Many pundits had suggested that the appointment of Mr Martino was because of his close links with Lionel Messi, but as far as results have gone the man certainly knows what he is doing.

    Experience - Gerardo's managing experience is definitely nothing like Ancelotti's, El Clasico is a massive game and as much as his players are veterans of the game, the manager will need to be ready as well. Of course 'Tata' is in charge of a fantastic Barcelona team and they playing at home so a win should be achievable for the Argentinian.


    Who Wins?

    Between the two managers, I believe tactically Ancelotti will have his team set up to beat Barca on the counter attack...much like Mourinho's Madrid. Ancelotti has tried to play more possession football with Madrid this season but against Barcelona that will never work.

     Martino will worry about his defense, this is a problem that still hasn't been addressed by the club, but their attacking threat at home should be good enough to get the goals.

     If Martino can get his players sharp and ready for the battle I believe they can do well, in terms of which coach will win the battle on the day?. Experience points to Ancelotti to win, but home form says it will be 'Tata's' day...I have to go with a draw.


    The Big Boys


    Ronaldo (CR7)

    Messi (King Leo)



    The main men Ronaldo & Messi are both fresh from scoring goals midweek, these two are always ready for such an occasion. They are the best in the world, nothing really frightens them.

    Ronaldo & Messi are level in terms of their goals in the league, tied with 8. This weekend is another chance for them to battle it out, whoever scores more will be the winner but not the top goal scorer in the league. Oddly enough Diego Costa tops the list with 10, but that can all change if one of these men get a hatrick.


    The New Boys



    Gareth Bale

    It hasn't been the best start for the young Welshman, apart from the his one goal and a few assists he has struggled with injuries, as well as Di Maria being in exceptional form since Bale joined.

     Ancelotti and Ronaldo have had to come out and protect him from the early criticism, whether Bale starts or not he will need to do a lot to impress the fans. He will obviously be itching to play in his first El Clasico, but he will have to do so coming off the bench probably.




    Neymar

    As for the Brazil maestro, so far so good. Neymar has put in some decent displays for the Catalans. Some good skill, pace and assisting Messi whenever the two have played together. Some may argue Neymar doesn't do enough to stamp his authority on the side but this is a team built around Messi. With El Clasico it will interesting to see how Neymar does, he isn't one to buckle under pressure but this is a game like no other. Playing at home, Barca will have no excuse and their fans will demand a win. 



    How Will The Two Teams Line Up?

    Real Madrid



    Ancelotti has not been overly predictable with his Madrid team selections though, so nothing would be completely expected when the lineups are revealed for this season's first El Clasico on Saturday.

    The most pressing ones persist over his midfield, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. It has become increasingly obvious how much Madrid are missing Xabi Alonso as the season has developed.

    Sami Khedira and Asier Illarramendi recently to fill the Alonso gap, but on Wednesday night against Juventus in the Champions League he opted to place Luka Modric alongside them—Isco missed out as a result.
    Arguably apart from Ronldo, Isco has been Madrid's main man so it will be interesting if he decides to leave him out again.

    Predicted Real Madrid XI: Diego Lopez; Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Asier Illarramendi, Sami Khedira, Luka Modric; Angel di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema


    Barcelona




    It's a refreshing change to see a manager prepared to utilise different strategies given the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent, rather than ploughing a singular furrow because it's the "Barca way."

    Tiki-taka will still be very much in evidence in this game of course, but don't be surprised to see the long ball from the back as Barca look to take advantage of Madrid's high defensive line.

    Does he throw the Argentine in alongside Bartra to combat the speed of the Madrid attack, or will Gerard Pique get the nod because of the height he offers in both a defensive and attacking sense?

    Given the various permutations, a Pique-Bartra pairing is the most likely to begin this game. Dani Alves is again an easy pick for the right side, and Adriano Correia continues with his run of games in the absence of the injured Jordi Alba.

    Sergio Busquets will continue to frustrate all comers in the defensive midfield role he plays so well. Don't be surprised to see "Busi" in the thick of the action, getting under the skin of the Madrid players.

    Andres Iniesta can have no bigger stage on which to find his best form again. 'Don Andres' can have a big say in the outcome of this match. Madrid's defence will be fighting fires with the twin threat of Neymar and Lionel Messi, so Iniesta's roving role alongside Xavi Hernandez could prove pivotal for the Blaugrana.

    Predicted Barcelona XI: Victor Valdes; Carlos Puyol; Gerard Pique; Dni Alves, Adriano Correira; Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez; Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas; Neymar Jr, Lionel Messi


    What Does FIFA14 Say?

    I decided to simulate the game with these predicted line-ups twice, on both occasions the result was a Barcelona win. 2-1 & 3-2, FIFA seemed to predict a lot of goals so I am hoping the same thing happens this Saturday.




    Television Broadcast Worry!!

    Unfortunately, television viewers in the United Kingdom will not see this spectacular display until half-time. 

    An anachronistic television regulation that prohibits televised football between 2.45pm and 5.15pm will mean Sky Sports Two are forced to join the match 15 minutes after the 5pm start.

    Surely an exception can be made for the greatest club match in the world?

    If you get your feed from Sky this could be a worry, but hopefully this does not apply for us all.

    Either way this is going to be a wonderful game of football, I sincerely hope you all enjoy the game and may the best team win. 

    Thanks for reading, peace & love.