Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Early Barca Predictions for the Spanish Super Cup

In previous years the Spanish Super Cup was seen as a low-key warmup to the bigger competitions that were yet to come.

It's two games for sounding out the opposition, incorporating new formations and tactics while upping the intensity from previous preseason friendlies.

However, this year is a completely different beast altogether—this game could very well shape the rest of the season.

There are plenty of question marks as Barcelona head into a new era under the watchful eye of Tito Vilanova.

It will be strange not seeing Pep in the dugout at Camp Nou, but the torch has been passed.

A lot of people have plenty to prove with the start of La Liga just around the corner.

Here are five predictions for the first leg.

5) David Villa Marks His Return with a Goal

David Villa has been a fantastic servant to FC Barcelona and his absence was a huge reason why they did not retain their La Liga or Champions League titles.

But he’s back and looking fitter than ever. After breaking his fibula early last season, it’s since been a recovery mission to be ready for the first week of battle.

He’s achieved that goal and after missing Euro 2012, the 30-year-old will be raring to go and make up for lost time.

There were suggestions Villa could be the man to be sold to create extra funds for Neymar, but Vilanova has recently come out in the press praising the striker while stating how important he is to the team.

Villa will no doubt be boosted by the reception he gets and will want to repay the faith shown in him to his new coach.

Don’t be surprised if he finds the back of the net in the first leg.

4) Barca to Score from a Set-Piece

One thing that Barca have been working on this season is their variation from set pieces, especially corners.

It had all become very one dimensional towards the end of the season with Pedro constantly looking to an oncoming Puyol to little or no avail.

But with Villa back in the side and Pique looking to make an impact following a difficult season, Barca have a lot more height and threat from a variety of different players.

With Jordi Alba adding a different option to delivery, expect positive results and new innovations in a department where they so clearly struggled last year.

3) Mourinho Makes Peace with Vilanova

One of the main confrontations will take place before a ball has been kicked as new coach Tito Vilanova will shake hands with the man that claimed he did not know who the Spaniard was following last season’s famous eye-gouging incident.

It was an incredible scene at the time and Jose Mourinho was a lucky boy to escape severe punishment following the incident. Many expected a lengthy touchline ban for the self-proclaimed “Special One”, but the Spanish FA refused to take any drastic action.

It’s a fascinating subplot to a season that promises so much, and if Mourinho did not know who Vilanova was at the time, he certainly will by the end of the season.

The Madrid boss has recently come out in the press claiming he regrets the incident and wants to move on.

That may be easier said than done and I’m sure the partisan crowd at Camp Nou will continue to make their feelings very clear indeed.

Cue a very over-zealous handshake and awkward embrace between the two once the sides take to the field.

Mourinho may want to play best friends, but Barca have a very long memory.

Tito will play along with the over-enthusiastic pleasantries as he knows more than anyone that you need to keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.

2) Valdes to Look a Little Nervy

Victor Valdes was one of the surprise names to come under scrutiny last season after a string of uncharacteristic mistakes.

There have been suggestions that he could be one of the men to go, although there have been no firm offers or indication that he is available should they get the right price.

But if the shot stopper is looking for a quiet game to regain some of the lost confidence that will have been weighing on his mind, he is in for a rude awakening.

Ronaldo, Benzema and co. will be sure to test out the No. 1 from an array of distances and angles.

That may be just what Valdes needs as he attempts to impress his new boss and regain his and the fans' full confidence.

Nevertheless, expect a nervy opening from the Spanish international.

1) Messi to Play Further Right

With Villa coming back into the side to lead the line, expect Messi to take a slightly different role than the central one he so expertly performed in last season.

Of course, he will have the freedom to cover all areas if and when necessary, but Vilanova may want to adjust his formation slightly in a bid to stifle the Madrid attacking prowess.

With Jordi Alba now settled, expect plenty more production from the left hand side. For Messi to fully benefit from the crosses that will be on offer, a role just to the right of centre could well prove fruitful.

Many defenders struggle to pick up the little man especially when coming from deep at the very last minute.