Barcelona, v Real Madrid, Nou Camp, 7pm (live on Sky Sports 1)
THERE'S a peculiarity to La Liga. Real Madrid, one of the greatest clubs in existence, top the table. Jose Mourinho, a man who excels in simply getting the job done, by hook or by crook, has taken them against the strength of popular opinion to the summit.
Yet, there's a feeling – regardless of the dropped points and squeaky form – that it would always come down to the next 90 minutes.
Tonight's game could decide the title – if Barcelona win, a once-10 point lead is cut to a single point. If Madrid come out victorious or hold out for a draw they'll all but secure the crown for the first time in three years, with even Barcelona admitting as much.
The Form:
- Despite defeat to Chelsea in midweek, Barca are unbeaten in seven league games against their greatest rivals, winning six and drawing one – their best ever run against (W6 D1), their best-ever run Clasico run.
- In the last three Liga meetings with Real at the Nou Camp, Barca have netted eight goals and conceded none. They're also on an 11-match winning streak that has seen them grab 33 goals.
- Real Madrid are unbeaten in 18 league games, the club's longest single season run since the 1996-97 term, where they managed 24.
- It's also worth noting that despite only winning one Clasico since his arrival (last year's Copa del Rey Final) Mourinho’s side are still a major threat and are the highest-scoring away side in Europe’s top-five leagues this season with 44 goals – Cristiano Ronaldo has 20 of those and is leading contender to find the net again tonight.
- Lionel Messi has scored in 10 consecutive league games, no Barcelona player has ever scored in 11 in a row. He could break history tonight and there are few better occasions to hail a landmark moment.
- Madrid's Sergio Ramos seen more cards in games against Barcelona (seven yellows, one red) than any other side in the league. He's my top tip to pick up another booking – and check odds for his dismissal.
The Teams:
Barca's Chilean attacker Alexis Sanchez is expected to recover from a knock to his thigh while defender Gerard Pique should make his return to the back four after sitting out the Champions League semi-final defeat in London.
Real Madrid have Xabi Alonso available after a ban but remain without Ricardo Carvalho (thigh problem) and Lass Diarra.
Tips:
Goals:
- Messi to score first (5-1, Boylesports)
- Both teams to score (8-13, Coral, Blue Square)
- Over 2.5 goals (1-2, Paddy Power)
- Messi to score more goals than Ronaldo in the game (11-10, Bet Victor)
- Ronaldo and Messi to both score (9-4, William Hill)
- Draw at half-time, Barca win second-half (19-5, Bet Victor)
- Real to score first and not win (7-2, 888sport)
Cards:
- A red card (11-10, Ladbrokes)
- Real Madrid to have player booked first (8-15, Sportingbet)
