Barcelona have been handed a big boost ahead of Saturday’s pivotal Clasico clash against Real Madrid with confirmation that Andres Iniesta is fit to start.
What tactical implications will the Spaniard’s inclusion have on the match? Where will Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo wreak the most havoc?
Here, we answer the key tactical questions.
4-3-3 OR 4-4-2 FOR BARCELONA?
The tactical battle will be shaped by which formation managers Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane choose to employ. Until recently it wouldn’t even have been a question, with both teams firmly in the 4-3-3 camps.
But they have flirted with 4-4-2 in recent weeks and that option is a realistic scenario for both camps, especially Zidane considering Gareth Bale’s absence and Karim Benzema’s poor form.
MESSI WIDE RIGHT OR FLOATING FREE
Barca’s greatest successes under Enrique have come with Lionel Messi starting on the right wing, combining with his full-back and midfielders to make inroads into the opposition defence before cutting inside to attack the box or switch play with devastating effect.
Recently he has played more centrally but with limited success, and Enrique must surely send his key man back to the flank to torment Marcelo, also limiting the Brazilian’s attacking freedom.
Mascherano: "Messi is a creative player, midfielder, but also a scorer. Finding three kinds of players in one is what makes him different." pic.twitter.com/8SwlZhzX7Z
— Leo Messi 🔟 (@WeAreMessi) December 1, 2016
RONALDO: FLYING WINGER OR PREDATOR
Exactly the same questions about Messi’s position apply to Ronaldo, except the other way around because the Portuguese star is these days looking more dangerous through the middle than in his old left wing position.
Rather than killing defences with unstoppable counters as he did in the past, Ronaldo now lives for the penalty box where his unquenchable thirst for goals makes him a constant threat, even if his overall contributions are more limited.
Lionel Messi dominates from the right, Cristiano Ronaldo from the left. Who will be dominating #ElClasico tomorrow? pic.twitter.com/rg65ODn56Z
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) December 2, 2016
CASEMIRO OR KOVACIC… OR BOTH?
A big benefit of Zidane’s recent switch to 4-4-2 is the extra control it has provided in the midfield battleground.
Mateo Kovacic’s energy and defensive diligence have played a key role, and Zidane must decide whether to retain him or recall fit again Casemiro.
Of course, he could select both by asking Modric to fill a wider role, and although that would not suit the Croat’s creative abilities it could give the visitors a firm upper hand in midfield.
BUSQUETS OVERWHELMED?
Sergio Busquets has been really struggling this season with the team’s new emphasis on counter attacking and width leaving him increasingly isolated and vulnerable.
He has been less influential on the ball and often overrun in defence, and it will be essential for the returning Andres Iniesta to help him establish the kind of midfield presence which Barca used to take for granted but is now becoming a major weakness.
