Real Madrid visit Barcelona this evening for the second La Liga Clasico of the season knowing three points are essential if they are to realistically maintain their title hopes.
Los Blancos enjoyed a superb 22-game winning run prior to Christmas, which included a comfortable 3-1 win over Luis Enrique’s side. But since the turn of the year, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won only nine of the 16 matches in all, and dropped vital points against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao recently.
Barcelona, on the other hand, go into the game in fine form and off the back of knocking English champions Manchester City out of the Champions League. A win for the hosts would take them four points clear and make them huge favourites to go on and secure the title.
In terms of team news, Luis Enrique is likely to go with Jeremy Matieu to partner Gerard Pique at the back. Marc Bartra has seen game time in recent weeks, but may still be having nightmares about facing Gareth Bale after last season’s Copa del Rey final.
For Madrid, Sergio Ramos will partner Pepe in defence, replacing Frenchman Raphael Varane, while Luka Modric should start in midfield following a long injury layoff.
Probable line ups:Barcelona: Bravo: Alves, Pique, Matieu, Alba; Rakitic, Mascherano, Iniesta; Neymar, Suarez, Messi
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo
Carlo Anceloti has exposed his limits . I honestly believe that the coach doesn’t do his job properly . At each big match, we see the things , same mistakes and no real plans or visions in the game.