This weekend’s El Clasico might be Jose Mourinho’s most important game since his arrival at Real Madrid. Barcelona already have an eight point lead in La Liga, and a win on Sunday over their bitter rivals will give then an unassailable 11 point lead and end Real Madrid’s title aspirations.
So what will José Mourinho’s line-up be against Barcelona? The dilemma faced by the ‘Special One’ is which of his three playmakers to go with. One month ago people’s money would have been on either Mesut Özil or Luka Modric, but Kaká is now also in the frame. In a survey conducted by MARCA.COM, 68% of the club’s fans voted for the Brazilian. However, Mourinho seems to be stuck between two options: Modric or Özil.
Modric did not play against Ajax and is therefore fully fit for what would be his first Barcelona-Real Madrid game in La Liga. Modric provides more driving-power, unlike Özil, but Mou is still not convinced the player has totally settled into the team.
Özil has always done a good job at the Camp Nou. His best game for Real came in the Copa del Rey encounter last season and he was also outstanding in the league match, but Mourinho does not believe he is at his best.
Mourinho must be pleased with Kaká’s new lease of life. However, the Brazilian may be psychologically strong, but the manager still feels he cannot totally rely on the player.
Another option that Mourinho has not ruled out would be to leave the three players on the bench and play with Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira and Michael Essien, like he did in the game against Manchester City. Alonso is a guaranteed starter, whoever else is selected to play alongside him. Mourinho also has complete faith in the German and the Ghanaian.
Who do you think Mourinho will play in midfield on Sunday?
