Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

It is two months late, but better late than not at all.And when FC Barcelona and Real Madrid take to the field to face one another in El Clasico at the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening, the world’s biggest derby will be more politically-charged than ever.Originally pencilled in for October 26th, this first installment of the fixture in 2019/2020 was of course put back when violent protests broke out at the beginning of said month.

This was a response to the jailing of nine leaders from 2017’s failed Catalonia independence movement, yet even though there has been ample time for tensions to simmer down, protests groups such as Democratic Tsunami are more intent than ever on having their voices heard.

Planned ‘mass demonstrations’ at four points surrounding the stadium, they claim to have had 32,000 people sign up to take part in the action and club members that will be inside the Camp Nou willing to take advantage of the platform provided in front of a global audience of 650 million spectators.There were no real surprises in Ernesto Valverde’s squad list announced on Tuesday, nor will there be in his first XI.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen between the sticks, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are likely to form a central-defensive partnership in front of him aimed at containing Pichichi contender Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale or teenage sensation Rodrygo.

The unimpressive Junior Firpo cut, a fit Jordi Alba is likely to start on the left while Sergi Roberto is preferred over a Nelson Semedo’s whose physical condition is still touch and go.Arthur not right since the most recent international break when representing Brazil, Ivan Rakitic’s renaissance continues in the centre of the park alongside Frenkie de Jong while Sergio Busquets provides support as a pivot.

On the other side of the ball, Isco is tipped to feature as a lone central attacking midfielder backed by Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Uruguayan revelation Fede Valverde who may solely man mark Lionel Messi.Amassing 27 goals in La Liga, which is more than 15 teams overall including third-highest scorers Sevilla on 21, the ‘MSG’ trident of Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann will look to wreak havoc on Los Blancos up top.

960x0.jpg?fit=scale

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.