By Neel Shelat
Barcelona aiming for 5 straight Clásico wins
Barcelona’s success in all 4 Clásicos final season actually was a giant motive behind their triumph in all three home competitions. They put 16 objectives previous their arch-rivals’ defence, showcasing their irresistible attacking power.
The final time the Blaugrana gained 4 consecutive Clásicos was between 2008 and 2010, when a sure Pep Guardiola was their head coach. They capped that streak off with a fifth win – the well-known 5-0, which stays probably the most one-sided assembly between these two groups within the twenty first century.
Each side’ weaknesses uncovered in latest heavy league defeats
Barcelona might want to produce one thing very particular if they’re to relive the highs of November 2010, as they haven’t appeared notably convincing of late. The scoreline of their midweek Champions League win over Olympiacos was very flattering after a doubtful crimson card, however they wanted a stoppage-time winner to beat bottom-of-the-table Girona final weekend and suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Sevilla of their final away match.
Actual Madrid’s type has been much better in distinction to that as they’ve gained 11 of their 12 matches up to now this season, however that one outlier was a 5-2 derby defeat to Atlético. They put collectively a fairly puzzling and bizarre show on the Metropolitano, in order that they have to be eager to keep away from making the identical errors.
Vital harm points for each
Harm points have been plaguing each Actual Madrid and Barcelona for fairly some time, so this match might be no exception. Los Blancos might be with out at the least two defenders in Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, whereas Dean Huijsen in addition to each the recognised proper backs haven’t featured in latest weeks. The ex-Bournemouth centre again appeared wonderful in the beginning of the season, so his potential return could be an enormous enhance.
Barcelona will equally be hoping to see the return of Raphinha, however they’re certain to overlook Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo and Gavi apart from their prime two goalkeepers. Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford are the 2 apparent various choices for the striker spot, whereas Fermín López is in line to start out behind them after netting a hat-trick in midweek.
Might the urgent battles be decisive?
Barcelona’s excessive line performed a starring function in final season’s first Clásico as they caught Kylian Mbappé offside eight instances, however the French ahead now has a 12 months’s value of additional expertise and is in imperious type. So, the guests will possible must restrict the variety of balls they permit in behind their defence if they’re to make Wojciech Szczęsny’s process comparatively easy.
Alternatively, Actual Madrid would possibly wish to step up far more than they did within the Madrid derby. Their passivity appeared to price them expensive that day, so towards a crew with no goal striker, they shouldn’t be afraid to show up the urgent depth.
Prediction
Xabi Alonso’s aspect appear to have the higher hand when it comes to personnel and tactical matchups going into his first Clásico, however Barcelona actually can open any recreation up.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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