Barcelona v Real Madrid
If there is one domestic derby match that stands out above all else in the world, then the battle of two countries within a country is the universal daddy of all clashes.
Politics, history and an intense on-field rivalry all ensure that when Barcelona face Real Madrid those in attendance are in for a treat one way or another. When Chelsea line up against Arsenal, Ashley Cole may be subject to some harsh treatment from the boo-brigade, but the chance of a pig's head flying down from the stands are slim. Not the case for Barca defector Luis Figo when he returned to the Nou Camp wearing the white of Madrid.
There's a perfectly good explanation for all this however, apparently it was thrown by a fan in order to signify that Figo was a traitor and; well a pig. This kind of behaviour is saved for fieriest moments though, and isn't an every-match occurence. Having said that, they don't come much more fiery than Saturday's match so we'll be on red-alert for flying traitor pigs.
Anyway, it's clear the rivalry is intense, and as we are going to experience it all, we felt it would be a shame not to tell you all about our experience. We begin with our very own preview and match prediction using the most realistic match-engine of them all - Football Manager 2007.
Preview
It's a rarity that this match takes place with neither side sitting top of La Liga, but that's the situation the clubs find themselves in. There is still everything to play for though with both sides eying a late push for the title.
Defeat for Madrid in particular would be a massive blow and would all but end their title aspirations, while a win would see the gap to Barca closed to just two points.
Current form for both teams has been dire by their standards, and each of them suffered a shock exit from the Champions League in the week making a good finish to their league campaign paramount for both bosses to keep hold of their jobs.
As the home team, Barcelona are likely to start with an attacking 4-3-3 formation and go for the jugular. However, matches between these too sides are famous for their offensive nature, and its unlikely Madrid will come to the Nou Camp to defend.
A major key will lie in the flanks; its likely Miguel Torres and Michel Salgado will come forward at every opportunity. Whether these players swarming forward can overawe the frail Barca defence is likely to decide the outcome of the game.
This attacking attitude from Real will almost certainly leave cracks at the back though. So, if Ronaldinho can rediscover his form along with Ludovic Giuly, then the Madrid defence is going to have to produce a heroic display to avoid being exploited by two of the trickiest wingers on the planet - this is before we've even mentioned Lionel Messi, who is likely to start on the bench.
Prediction
It's only speculation, but here's how we think the two sides will line-up on Sunday, so what better way than to simulate the match using Football Manager 2007...
This is followed by a subdued 30 minute spell where the fans are infinitely livelier than the football they are watching. The boredom is ended as the teams go in at half time at 0-0 - a result which in all honesty would be of little use to either of them.
Real counter-attack though, and suddenly Robinho finds himself in the clear with just Victor Valdes to beat, he strikes his shot low and firm, but the Barca keeper produces a magnificent saved to deny the Brazilian.
From the resulting corner Valdes claims the ball and throws wonderful pass through to Messi, who helps the it on to Eto'o. The Cameroonian finds himself one-on-one with Casillas, and although the Real keeper beats his shot away it falls straight to Xavi who slots the ball into an empty net - an inspired substitution it seems.
The goal breeds confidence throughout the Barca side as they seem to move up a gear creating several chances only to waste them. There's no mistake in the 70th minute however, as Eto'o scores a spectacular long-range effort in off the bar after a great move down the left from the home team. Madrid seem to have fallen to pieces.
Then just moment's later substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen bears down on the Madrid goal and only a brilliant bit of keeping from Casillas denies him. It's total domination from the home team and it seems just a matter of time before the visitors concede again.
As time ticks away Barca are relentless and a wonderful Eto'o pass unlocks the Madrid defence again to send Deco on his way. The Portuguese midfielder duly obliges with a cool, neat finish past Casillas to make it 3-0 and add to Real's woe.
When the referee blows for full-time it feels more like a boxing referee has stopped a fight as a battered Madrid leave the pitch shell-shocked. Barca on the other hand are right back in the title race.
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There's a perfectly good explanation for all this however, apparently it was thrown by a fan in order to signify that Figo was a traitor and; well a pig. This kind of behaviour is saved for fieriest moments though, and isn't an every-match occurence. Having said that, they don't come much more fiery than Saturday's match so we'll be on red-alert for flying traitor pigs.
Anyway, it's clear the rivalry is intense, and as we are going to experience it all, we felt it would be a shame not to tell you all about our experience. We begin with our very own preview and match prediction using the most realistic match-engine of them all - Football Manager 2007.
Preview
It's a rarity that this match takes place with neither side sitting top of La Liga, but that's the situation the clubs find themselves in. There is still everything to play for though with both sides eying a late push for the title.
Defeat for Madrid in particular would be a massive blow and would all but end their title aspirations, while a win would see the gap to Barca closed to just two points.
Current form for both teams has been dire by their standards, and each of them suffered a shock exit from the Champions League in the week making a good finish to their league campaign paramount for both bosses to keep hold of their jobs.
As the home team, Barcelona are likely to start with an attacking 4-3-3 formation and go for the jugular. However, matches between these too sides are famous for their offensive nature, and its unlikely Madrid will come to the Nou Camp to defend.
A major key will lie in the flanks; its likely Miguel Torres and Michel Salgado will come forward at every opportunity. Whether these players swarming forward can overawe the frail Barca defence is likely to decide the outcome of the game.
This attacking attitude from Real will almost certainly leave cracks at the back though. So, if Ronaldinho can rediscover his form along with Ludovic Giuly, then the Madrid defence is going to have to produce a heroic display to avoid being exploited by two of the trickiest wingers on the planet - this is before we've even mentioned Lionel Messi, who is likely to start on the bench.
Prediction
It's only speculation, but here's how we think the two sides will line-up on Sunday, so what better way than to simulate the match using Football Manager 2007...
This is followed by a subdued 30 minute spell where the fans are infinitely livelier than the football they are watching. The boredom is ended as the teams go in at half time at 0-0 - a result which in all honesty would be of little use to either of them.
Real counter-attack though, and suddenly Robinho finds himself in the clear with just Victor Valdes to beat, he strikes his shot low and firm, but the Barca keeper produces a magnificent saved to deny the Brazilian.
From the resulting corner Valdes claims the ball and throws wonderful pass through to Messi, who helps the it on to Eto'o. The Cameroonian finds himself one-on-one with Casillas, and although the Real keeper beats his shot away it falls straight to Xavi who slots the ball into an empty net - an inspired substitution it seems.
The goal breeds confidence throughout the Barca side as they seem to move up a gear creating several chances only to waste them. There's no mistake in the 70th minute however, as Eto'o scores a spectacular long-range effort in off the bar after a great move down the left from the home team. Madrid seem to have fallen to pieces.
Then just moment's later substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen bears down on the Madrid goal and only a brilliant bit of keeping from Casillas denies him. It's total domination from the home team and it seems just a matter of time before the visitors concede again.
As time ticks away Barca are relentless and a wonderful Eto'o pass unlocks the Madrid defence again to send Deco on his way. The Portuguese midfielder duly obliges with a cool, neat finish past Casillas to make it 3-0 and add to Real's woe.
When the referee blows for full-time it feels more like a boxing referee has stopped a fight as a battered Madrid leave the pitch shell-shocked. Barca on the other hand are right back in the title race.
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