Barcelona have of course had a brilliant start in La Liga – one of their best ever – which is why it’s strange to say that Real Madrid are in even better form. But it’s probably true. While Barcelona have been efficient and brilliant at times Real Madrid are on fire.
Anyone who saw their destruction of Liverpool in the week can see that this is one of the best ‘teams’ that Madrid have ever assembled. They may have put together a higher profile bunch in the past – perhaps better individuals. But, under Ancelotti, they have the sort of balance rarely seen in any team. There is a telepathy about them. Rodriguez is improving all the time. Benzema is at his very best and Ronaldo is imperious. Add that unbelievably good central midfield pairing and you have a truly scary opponent.
But that is precisely why Barcelona have to start with Luis Suarez on Saturday.
You might expect Barcelona to play with a slightly more defensive formation considering they are away from home at the European champions. But if you let that central midfield dictate the play from the start of the game then it will be almost impossible for Barcelona to get a foothold.
What Barcelona must do is to be on the front foot from the start and have a go at Real Madrid’s eternal weakness – their defence. It’s not a bad group – very good in fact. But it’s not as good as the midfield or attack. If Barca can get at them early and take the lead then Real will be chasing.
After months out of the game many would suggest that Luis Suarez needs to be brought back slowly to regain his full fitness. But if you saw England vs Uruguay at The World Cup you might think differently. A month after an operation, and with no game time under his belt, he walked straight into the starting eleven and blew England away.
In short, he’s not someone who needs to play his way back to match fitness. He’s a natural athlete and, considering the training and matches that he has had during the ban we think he’s ready to go.
With Messi, Neymar and Suarez on from the start Barcelona can put Real Madrid on the back foot. Many expect Suarez to start on the bench, but we think this is a mistake. He may offer too little too late if brought on as a sub. Barca should be bold and get him on from the beginning – this way Barcelona can dictate the match.
Barcelona fans: will Suarez start?
mohammed
Oct 24, 2014 at 8:07 pm
Suarez shud start d match nah I tink d coach shud start him pls let suarez start ni.
kenny
Oct 24, 2014 at 8:47 pm
left to what m seeing i think it will be a good 1 if suarez can start d match,,,,,,because diz game will be decide by early go and is gonna be a war game from starting 2 d end he shouldnt joke wit starting suarez @ all.
david
Oct 24, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Barca don’t need Suarez to start cos if it doesn’t work fine it may av a massive effect on his performance for d remaining features. And again fans start pointing fingers at Enrique.. If Suarez ban doesn’t end dis week I biliv dis barca team are still good to go.. So why throwing him in d midst of d battle… Its a risk not worth taking
Chinedu Osita
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:01 am
Our experience should kindly start Suarez to quench the fire of Real madrid.
Chinedu Osita
Oct 25, 2014 at 8:05 am
Our experience coach please unleash Suarez in the starting xi though Ah trust Messi & Neymar buh Pedro is misfiring at the moment bring in Suarez to got things right .