El Classico: Key Match-Ups

With El Classico looming ever closer many are trying to predict which way the match will go. Which ever way that is these match-ups will be key.

Casillas vs the Barrage of Shots
With Barcelona's goal scoring form Casillas will have his work cut out for him. If anything can be read from the rest of the season he will not have much help from his defense. All the talk of his form slipping this match will be the one to silence his critics should he rise to the occasion.

Raul vs Puyol
The two captains of the biggest rivals will be going head to head more than any others this weekend. Raul will be the one expected to rally Real Madrid to what would be an upset. It is up to Puyol to shut the rallying cries up before they get started.

Guti and van der Vaart vs Xavi
An on form Guti can be in the argument of who is the deadliest playmaker. Van der Vaart still needs to find his form in La Liga but he can certainly create the winning moment. Last but not least is Xavi. Consistent, hard working and great are just a few words that can describe him and he will be at the heart of every move Barcelona make. Whichever of the playmakers is most on will undoubtedly decide the match.

Gago vs Toure
Possession is always key in big matches like El Classico. Gago and Toure are going to have a tough time. The game could come down to one well timed tackle and both these athletes are on form.

Messi vs Whoever Gets in His Way
While many say Messi has not been at the top of his game this season, but who can forget his hat-trick two seasons ago. What better game than getting back on track than El Classico. With no leftbacks available for Real Madrid, it will be interesting to see who will be stuck with the task of marking the Argentine. My guess is it will be Metzelder, for he started his career as a leftback.

Off the Field:

The Media vs Barcelona and Real Madrid
There is one thing this match will guarantee. The losing side will be the target of much media interest. Should Barca lose, every team will believe they can beat them, and a little belief is just what other clubs need to start tearing Barca apart. Should RM lose, the word crisis will be written on every paper around the world, as if it is not already there.

Europe vs Spain
Right now, Barcelona is considered "unstoppable." No matter how this game ends the other clubs in the Champion's League will be wary. On the other hand, a Real Madrid victory will cause the rest to fear two Spanish teams.

Projected Line-Ups:

Real Madrid:Casillas; Salago; Ramos; Cannavaro; Matzelder; van der Vaart; Gago, Guti; Drenthe; Higuaín; Raúl (C)

Barcelona: Valdés; Alves; Puyol (C); Márquez; Abidal; Touré; Gudjohsen; Xavi; Messi; Eto'o; Henry

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