At 10pm Saturday evening, the footballing world will stop in its tracks and focus on events at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid and Barcelona kick off the 160th Clasico. It is being labelled the match of the millenium in these parts, as the Spanish press live up to their reputation as sensationalists of the highest order. What's certain, is that it will provide tension, drama and with a bit of luck a bagful of goals. The winner of the match will enter the home straight with a three point advantage, and with the way things are going will most likely be crowned La Liga champions come May. Here is where I think the match will be won or lost:
The Keepers: This Clasico will reunite the goalkeeper regarded as the best in the world, with one of the in-form keepers in world football. Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes will be facing two of the most potent attacking forces in the game. One error or one spectacular performance could be the difference between the two sides.
Messi v Ronaldo: Last time out this contest proved an overwhelming disappointment. Ronaldo missed a sitter whilst Messi hardly showed up to the party. We all know what they are both capable of, and neither will phased by a match of this magnitude, although with 6 Clasico goals already to his name, Messi will go into the match with the greater experience of these occasions. One moment of magic from either could settle the match. It will be a case of who turns up on the day. If they both turn up, what a match we have in store.
Madrid Defence: On Saturday they will be facing one of the worlds greatest. Leo Messi is in the form of his life, with four hat-tricks already in 2010. Alvaro Arbeloa has proved in the past he is capable of controlling Messi, but this weekend will be another test for the Spain right-back. Together with Sergio Ramos, if he manages to push Messi out wide and nullify his influence in the middle of the park, it will severely blunt Barca as an attacking force. Easier said than done, but don't expect another 2-6.
Higuaín: After his misfiring performance when Real Madrid got eliminated from the Champions League, many claimed that Gonzalo wasn't capable of delivering at the highest level. There will be no more motivated player than Higuain on the turf on Saturday. Barca beware.
Stop Xavi: It is widely stated that if you stop Messi and Xavi, you stop Barcelona. Harsh, but in some respects true. Don't be surprised if Manuel Pellegrini sticks Lass in the centre, with a strict order to follow Xavi closely. If the Frenchman succeeds, and allows Xavi Alonso plenty of time on the ball, Madrid will be in the money. Fail, and Xavi could rip them to shreds.
What's certain is that neither team will hold back. Both will go for the kill. It has all the makings of a classic Clasico, and one that promises to crown the winners the undisputed heavyweight champion of Spanish Football. I will finish with one statistic that might worry a few Real Madrid fans, and could prove a motivating factor for the Madrid players. On 10th November they got knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Alcorcón. On the 10th March they were eliminated from the Champions League by Lyon. 10th April: Judgement Day?