FC Barcelona go the main city tomorrow because they prepare to battle ruling Manhattan project Liga winners Real Madrid for the sixth a' and probably ultimate a' time in 2010. Unlike new periods which have been characterized by Blaugrana dominance in the fitting, Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho may actually have turned the corner and are unbeaten inside their last four fits contrary to the Catalan giants. But, with an essential UEFA Champions League Round of 16, second-leg fit against Premier League leaders Manchester United quickly approaching, do Los Blancos have the squad range needed to extend that work to five suits with a at the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow? TEAM NEWS BARCELONA So itas standard. For once the news was actually reported by Marca, and as it happens that Xavi can miss tomorrowas Clasico through damage. Whether this confirms my suspicion that Xavi was never fit to return in the first place remains to be viewed, but itas safe to express that Barcelona will miss his presence in midfield. Despite sitting out yesterdayas session with a temperature, Lionel Messi returned to training today and obviously he was called in the 19-man squad thatas set to journey to Madrid. However, there's no place in the squad for Eric Abidal a' who is still waiting to produce his long-awaited return from a transplant a or for Martin Montoya, although the Catalan executed ingeniously once the two sides last met in Manhattan project Liga activity. For that reason, moving onto the participants that did make the team, Victor ValdAs is set to return in purpose after sitting out Tuesdayas beat for tactical reasons. ValdAs hasnat had probably the most wonderful of periods, but I think I speak for everybody concerned when I say that will be forgiven if ValdAs could hold Real Madrid at bay tomorrow afternoon. Even the whole Angel Di Maria debacle. Thatas how eager I'm for Barcelona to help keep a clean linen in any manner. In safety, Dani Alves will probably begin at right-back after a strong performance in Tuesdayas beat where a' for the absolute most part a' he held Cristiano Ronaldo at bay, even though Alves is likely to face competition for a berth from Adriano. The former Sevilla full-back hasnat included since Barcelonaas 2-1 conquer Granada, but with five league targets to his name itas hard to ever fully rule Adriano out of contention. In one's heart of protection, will Carles Puyol continue at centre-half? Barcelonaas legendary captain has are available in for a few complaint lately, but Iam not entirely convinced that Javier Mascherano is just a better solution. Mascherano isnat as high as Puyol, which could cause problems for the Blaugrana at set pieces and while Puyol is criticised for his pace, or lack thereof, Mascherano isnat exactly distinguished for his blistering pace. And Bartra? Properly, if he isnat trusted with a starting berth from the rest of La Liga, what hope does he have of starting tomorrow? Last but not least, Jordi Alba must begin at left-back, though again, Adriano might provide competition. So, think about the midfield? Sergio Busquets continues to be the most effective defensive midfielder in world football and therefore we donat have to worry about pivote, but Xavias damage puts Jordi Roura in a little a problem. Does Roura go AndrAs Iniesta back to midfield? Many would argue thatas certain a' and I acknowledge, Iniesta begins in midfield, but who begins with him? Thiago? Alex Track? Cesc FAbregas? My moneyas on Cesc, but who knows? Perhaps Thiago will get the nod for his "youthful enthusiasm?" Lionel Messi will become in attack. He may be sick, or at least at less than hundreds of, but he will start a' just as Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Real Madrid in spite of their upcoming UCL fit with Manchester United. More so than Xavi, Puyol and actually Casillas, one can argue that Messi and Ronaldo are actually synonymous with the Clasico; can you imagine a Clasico minus the two superstars doing fight? Anyway, back to the group media and CulAs will likely get their wish: David Villa is expected to begin on the left-wing with Pedro maintaining his position on the right. TRUE MADRID True Madrid are required to make changes tomorrow in front of their Champions League clash with Manchester United, but Mourinho will be eager to prevent making too many changes a' specially as Madridas pleasure is at stake with each and every Clasico. After winning 3-1 at the Camp Nou, Los Blancos would eliminate virtually all their momentum if they slip up tomorrow a' regardless of whether this match is perceived to be important or not. Thus, while changes can be expected by us, donat expect to see Castilla sent tomorrow. As an alternative, we could see the likes of Marcelo, Pepe, Michael Essien, Luka Modric, Jose Callejon, Karim Benzema and possibly even Kaka. Scarcely "second-string." TYPE GUIDE Barcelona: DWWLWL Real Madrid: LWDWWW LAST MEETING FC Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid a 26th February 2013 a Copa del Rey LIKELY LINE-UPS Barcelona (4-3-3 ): ValdAs; Alves, PiquA, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Cesc, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Property True Madrid (4-2-3-1 ): Lopez; Arbeloa, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Khedira, Essien; Callejon, Modric, Ronaldo; Benzema Fit PREDICTION Itas hard to ever predict a Barcelona beat a' even though I must admit, it has crossed my mind. But, BarAa almost always bounce back, and what better spot to do this compared to the Bernabeu? Iam taking a 2-1 away win. Follow us on Twitter
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