Much has been said about who both managers should start on Sunday to practically decide which side will add another La Liga title to their trophy cabinets. Both Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti have a number of options at their disposal, with the Catalunyan coach more keen on rotating his men. Given the importance of the event at hand, should Luis Enrique try to surprise his Italian counterpart to earn a four-point lead over Los Blancos in the league's standings, or will Ancelotti be able to find the key to Real Madrid's survival? Let's have a closer look at each team and who has the most chances of making it into the Starting XI.
Barcelona: The league leaders have many players in top form to choose from
Luis Enrique has a "happy problem" in his hands. Having rotated his side for most of the season, it's a mystery if he will repeat a squad or he will change most of his players to make an impression. With some doubts in his mind, the former midfielder will most likely try to improve what has been working lately, rather than improvising.
Claudio Bravo should start for Los Blaugranas, even though Ter Stegen had an amazing performance against Manchester City this Wednesday. Dani Alves, Piqué, Mathieu and Jordi Alba will probably earn a starting spot, with the possibility of Marc Bartra coming in for Mathieu. Other players like Montoya or Adriano will be options on the bench, but are rather unlikely to start.
Barça's midfield should be anchored by Javier Mascherano, who will have to take Busquets place due to injury. El Jefecito has shown his best game playing as a defensive midfielder rather than as a center back, where his lack of speed is usually a matter of concern. His flanks should be covered by Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta, who have been more regular with Luis Enrique. Former captain Xavi may live his final minutes playing a Clasico for Los Culés, but he is most likely going to enjoy playing time coming off the bench, that is if the game allows him to. Upfront, Messi, Suarez and Neymar are the only safe bets in Luis Enrique's lineup, since there's no way he will risk giving any advantage by letting any of these three players on the sideline.
Nine of the eleven players in LSTV's lineup started against Los Blancos back in October, when Los Blaugranas lost to Real Madrid 3-1.
Real Madrid: BBC or 4-4-2 to reclaim La Liga's lead?
Carlo Ancelotti's team performed beautifully during the first semester of the season, but their recent lack of confidence and a series of injuries to key players has forced him to adapt to a new style, yet to be understood by his men. With Cristiano Ronaldo in his poorest shape, and with his midfield rebuilding around Luka Modric's comeback after coming down with an injury, Los Blancos need to find what worked for them before it's too late.
Even if fans are against it, Iker Casillas will likely have the starting spot over Keylor Navas. Ancelotti will not risk his job with such a move in a game of this magnitude, and Casillas' experience may come in handy. Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe and Marcelo are set to start, maybe with Varane taking Ramos' place as center back, to move Madrid's Number 4 to the right flank. Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao will be lucky enough to make the squad, with rumors indicating they have lived their final minutes with Los Blancos this season after their disappointing performance against Schalke 04.
Ancelotti's biggest dilemma has to be his midfield. If he decides to keep a 4-3-3 formation, Isco will most likely be the one surrendering his place. But if the Italian switches to a 4-4-2 strategy, then Isco could still make a start, with Gareth Bale taking a place in either side of the pitch. No matter what formation Ancelotti chooses, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will start ahead of Lucas Silva and Asier Illarramendi, who have failed to impress the Italian. Trying to hurt Los Blaugranas, Ancelotti has to start Benzema and Ronaldo, regardless of what he does with his midfield.
Can Los Merengues find their previous form on Sunday before it's too late?
LiveSoccer TV's Starting XI's ahead of El Clasico
Barcelona: Bravo, Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Jordi Alba; Mascherano, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suárez, Neymar Jr.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Isco, Bale; Ronaldo, Benzema.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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