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Come Saturday, all eyes will be on the Bernabeu where Real Madrid play hosts to league leaders and arch rivals Barcelona in a Clasico encounter that promises to be anything but boring. Madrid will be looking to win or at least draw the match, as defeat to Barcelona will leave them 7 points adrift at an early stage in the title race.With Gareth Bale out injured and Luis Suarez expected to feature for the Blaugrana, Carlo Ancelotti has decisions to make. Barcelone have, astonishingly, kept 8 consecutive clean sheets, but who better to put their defensive record to the sword than the Ronaldo-inspired Madrid?Here’s what the Real Madrid side could look like, based on a 4-2-2-2 formation that usually switches to a 4-3-3 in most matches this season.
#1 Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Despite Keylor Navas’ World Cup heroics, Ancelotti has given Iker Casillas a new lease of life and the Madrid stalwart has started all but one of Real Madrid’s matches in La Liga this season. Expect him to don the gloves once again as old foes Barcelona come visiting.
While Casillas’ form has dipped considerably over the past two seasons, the veteran keeper brings in experience and stability – two things that Madrid will need if they are to see off the challenge from Barcelona.
#2 Defenders: Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe and Marcelo
With Varane close to full match fitness but not quite there yet, the central defenders pick themselves – Pepe and Ramos should start, provided Ramos is fit in time for the match. The Spaniard was left out of the Champions League match against Liverpool, with Ancelotti hopeful of the defender recovering from his niggle for the El Clasico on Saturday.
Should Ramos fail to pass the fitness test, then Varane would likely line-up alongside Pepe.
On the left, Marcelo has had a good season so far, picking up three assists for his team. He will be tasked with keeping an eye on the ever-interchanging Neymar and Iniesta. Marcelo has played in enough Clasicos to know what is required of him, so left-back should not be an issue for Ancelotti.
At right-back, however, there is a dilemma. Should the experienced but vulnerable Arbeloa start, or should Ancelotti put his faith in young Dani Carvajal, who although quicker and more athletic, does have moments where he shows his immaturity.
Tough call, but I think Ancelotti will go with the future – Dani Carvajal.
#3 Midfield - Isco, Modric, Kroos and Rodriguez
This is where things get interesting. For the most part, Ancelotti has used James Rodriguez in the left midfield, Di Maria role, where the Colombian is expected to carry out his defensive duties behind Ronaldo. Rodriguez should retain his spot on the left, having started the season brightly.
Ancelotti has used Modric and Kroos as his only central midfielders, forgoing a defensive presence in lieu of complete control of the match. Against Barcelona, logic suggests he should add a physical presence in there.
But Sami Khedira has only played 30 minutes of football, and Illaramendi has started only once and come on as a substitute four time. Neither are in the best shape or even close to full fitness, so it is likely that Ancelotti will put his faith in Kroos and Modric to control the game.
With Bale out injured, Isco should start on the right, with the Spaniard given the license to cut inside, roam about and try to play one-twos with the forwards. Isco has already recorded four assists from his right-sided attacking midfielder role.
On paper, a midfield of Kroos, Modric, Isco and Rodriguez looks light-weight and shorn of physicality. But with the alternative being fielding an unfit Khedira, it looks increasingly likely that these four will take the field against Barcelona.
#4 Forwards - Ronaldo and Benzema
No decisions to be made here. Ronaldo and Benzema will be the front-men, and with the Portugese in red-hot form, Barcelona’s defensive record is sure to be put to the test.
Ronaldo has already scored 15 goals in 7 matches, an astonishing return even by his impossibly high standards. Whether or not he receives the service to be able to continue scoring at this rate, remains to be seen.
Benzema has had a comparatively quieter start to the season, notching up 3 goals and 3 assists so far. But the Frenchman has looked quite composed and efficient, and has been involved in everything good going forward. The onus is on Benzema to not let Bale’s absence be felt.
Predicted line-up – Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, James Rodriguez, Isco, Kroos, Modric, Ronaldo and Benzema
