El Clásico Preview
Most people in the soccer world will tell you if you had one game to watch it would have to be El Clasico. It is arguably the biggest game in club football every year and one of the biggest rivalries in all sports. When El Clasico is on the world is watching.
This will be 232nd Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Currently, these two clubs sit at the top of La Liga, but Barcelona, the reigning Spanish champions, are looking up at Real Madrid being 6 points back on the table after just 13 games. Real Madrid, who are unbeaten in all competitions under Zinedine Zidane this season, look to build that lead to help their chances at winning the La Liga title for the first time in five years.
Luis Enrique’s side have lost twice in the league in the first half of the season against Alaves and Celta Vigo. They recently drew to a struggling Malaga club and were lucky to grab a point at the Anoeta against Real Sociedad. A win is imperative for Barcelona in their quest to retain the La Liga trophy and a defeat on Saturday would be a huge blow.
Los Blancos are looking to get a result at the Camp Nou which would put them nine points ahead of Barcelona and puts them a step closer to becoming the Spanish champions. They go into the match having won four consecutive games. The last time these giants met at the Camp Nou, Madrid defeated Barca 2–1, thanks to the late winner from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Predicted Lineups
Barcelona Predicted Lineup 4–3–3
GK: ter Stegen DEF: Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Alba MID: Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta ATT: Messi, Suarez, Neymar
Luis Enrique rested many of his key players in the Copa Del Rey match against Hercules. Look for the manager to field his strongest possible starting eleven against Los Blancos. The deadly MSN looked out of ideas against Real Sociedad but Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar Jr still will be respected as a lethal attacking trio and will look to play to their usual standard.
Defensively, Barcelona have had issues. Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano will have to be at their best to stop a powerful Real Madrid attack led by an in form Cristiano Ronaldo. The return talisman Andres Iniesta, who’s been out for almost two months, will be a boost for the Catalans as Barcelona have struggled in the midfield without him.
Real Madrid: Predicted Lineup 4–4–3
GK: Navas DEF: Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo MID: Modric, Kovacic, Casemiro ATT: Lucas, Ronaldo, Benzema
Real Madrid have been unlucky this season when it comes to injuries. Gareth Bale recently suffered an ankle injury which has him ruled out for three months of action. Toni Kroos will also miss the Clasico due to a broken metatarsal and Alvaro Morata, who has been one of the best performers for Los Blancos, is out due to a knock he received during the international break. Zinedine Zidane will be happy to have midfielder Casemiro back in his selection after weeks absence. He was a vital figure in in the last Clasico, basically making Messi’s presences nonexistent, and will look to nullify Barca’s attack again.
Final Prediction
If we were to look at current performances and run of form, Real Madrid look to be the better team coming into this match. The fact that Los Blancos haven’t lost a single match this season shows how strong they’ve been even with the injuries to their key players.
To put it simply, Barcelona are struggling and have looked non-creative in their recent matches. Their last two La Liga matches have resulted in a draw. However, Real Madrid shouldn’t sleep on Barca and the likes of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez can cause havoc at any moment. They are due to turn their current form around and could use this match as a confidence boost against Real at the Camp Nou.
One of the best things about the El Clasico is that it’s very unpredictable. This is due to the world class level of players both clubs have. I predict the match will end with Real Madrid winning 3–1.
Let me know what your prediction is for this El Clasico on Twitter @Elasticochopp.
