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The last time both these high profile teams met each other it was Jose Mourinho vs Tito Vilanova. Times have changed, with both the respective teams bringing in new managers, new thoughts and of course new players into their already famed side. While it’s Tata Martino at the helm of the Camp Nou, Real Madrid appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their manager in the summer.
While Madrid sold their German playmaker Mesut Ozil to Arsenal on deadline day, they bought Gareth Bale, who is yet to find his feet in Spain. The Blaugranas on the other hand have strengthened their already impressive squad with the acquisition of Brazilian Gem Neymar from Santos.
Lionel Messi is certain to start this high profile clash after recovering from a thigh injury. The Argentine started the Champions League encounter against Milan on Wednesday after missing the games against Celtic and Real Valladolid and is expected to be named in the starting eleven tonight. Carlos Puyol will also perhaps start for the Blaugrana instead of Javier Mascherano who looks too rusty at the back. With both Jordi Alba and Gerrard Pique out, Martino has a tough choice to make.
For the Los Blancos on the other side, Sergio Ramos is sure to partner Raphael Varane in the heart of the defence. World Record Signing Gareth Bale is also expected to replace Anngel Di Maria on the right but it’s the question on who will start in centre of the park. “He is ready to play a match now,” the Ancelotti said while not confirming whether that meant Bale would start or not.
Going by choices Ancelotti is expected to play Modric and Khedira perhaps with Isco perhaps in the number ten role. Diego Lopez will again perhaps start in goal ahead of Iker Cassilas.
About the El Clasico, Real Madrid’s Alvaro Arbeloa summed it up, “The match against Barcelona comes at a good time for us. We are improving and gaining confidence, so we’ll see if we can win.
”We know it will be a very difficult match. I’m sure Barcelona will be at their best because they always play well against us. We can’t look at their recent draws are a guide.
They have a three-point lead, but in recent matches in the Camp Nou we’ve got good results and put in some great performances.”
The match comes at a time when Barca are at the top of the table after nine games, Real being in third place thanks to their only defeat against cross town rivals Athletico Madrid.
The match in itself is sure to throw sparks around with both the teams going for each other. It would be interesting to see whether Ancelotti asks his players to press Barca high up the pitch, which would invite trouble or whether they would sit back, which would be trouble any ways. If Real have to win this one, they have to start well and break Braca down high up the pitch and attack their thin looking defence and not lose the ball away.
Predictions: Barcelona 3-1 Real Madrid
