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.
