Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Start Time: Bold Predictions for La Liga Clash

There is nothing like El Clasico.

Real Madrid and Barcelona take part in another addition of the classic rivalry on Saturday and everything is on the line. 

With Barcelona being down four points with a handful of games remaining, they must win on Saturday to keep its hopes alive.

Here are some bold predictions for this massive La Liga clash, which takes place at 2 p.m. ET:

Xavi Hernandez Will Be the Man of the Match

One of the most consistent players in the world, Xavi doesn't get the notoriety he deserves. Not only will he control the pace of the game in the midfield, but he'll score the game-winning goal against Real Madrid on Saturday.

Nobody controls the game quite like Barcelona and Xavi plays a big role in that area.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Won't Score

These two record-setting performers are on center stage Saturday as the whole world prepares for El Clasico.

With all the talk about how the two are burning nets in La Liga and all competitions, I see the megastars either performing extremely well by scoring a goal or two a piece or not scoring at all.

I'm thinking that neither will score on Saturday despite there being ample opportunities for both.

Hopefully I'm wrong because these two deserve to score every game because of how well they generally perform, but it's just a hunch I have.

Barcelona Tightens Up the Race

After Barcelona lost to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League this week, I don't see Barcelona falling again.

They just don't lose back-to-back games. Barcelona will control the majority of the possession—just like they normally do—and will capitalize on at least two scoring opportunities.

Prediction: Barcelona 2, Real Madrid 1

Barcelona is unbeaten at home in La Liga this season, winning 15 games and drawing once. They have only conceded eight goals at home in the league, so expect Real Madrid to have a difficult time scoring.

Xavi and Barcelona manage to score two goals to secure victory.