EL CLASICO 29th NOV 2010 | FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID | HIGUAIN FALLS & STARTING 11 SPECULATIONS

The latest news just in from Barcelona is that REAL MADRID forward GONZALO HIGUAIN has not recovered in time for the big FC BARCELONA clash tonight. According to Spanish Sports daily "Marca" the Argentine has been ruled out for "EL CLASICO" & thus opens up speculation on who will take his place. The natural tendency is to think that Frenchman Karim Benzema will come in, however there are other theories.

Gonzalo Higuain : courtesy As

I am suspecting that Mourinho knew before travelling to Barcelona last night that Higuain was doubtful, but that did´nt stop him announcing the "Gala 11" as posted below. The idea of putting an extra midfielder in place of a forward to strengthen the centre to attempt to contain the Barça player makers - Xavi & Iniesta - has always been present in the Mourinho strategy. With the injury of Higuain, Mourinho has the opportunity to "bluff" with Benzema to finish putting in Lass Diarra into the "Starting 11". The idea would then be that Real Madrid will  attempt to "suffocate" the Barça midfield players & use its counter-attacking speed & precision to put under pressure a "slower" Barça defence. 

The new REAL MADRID starting 11 could now look like this :
Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho, Marcelo, Khedira, X Alonso, Di Maria, Ozil, Lass Diarra or Benzema & Cristiano Ronaldo.


FC BARCELONA starting 11 line up is being speculated to be:
Valdes, Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Villa & Pedro

I have a sinking feeling that the line-ups will change on both sides before 21.00 as both Coaches - Guardiola & Mourinho - will be taking their "mind games" right up to the kick - off time. Stay tuned!

LATEST - According to news just in Higuain is being tested & is serious DOUBT , the chosen player to take the place of Higuain is KARIM BENZEMA. Plus at Camp Barça there is talk ( speculation) that Mascherano may come in instead of Pedro. Lots of rumours & speculation being created & circulating as natural before a match of this dimension. Tweet

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