Very true.



What do you think to Diarra already at Madrid? I have mixed feelings about him at Madrid.

He's injured, hence the need for a replacement. He's out till June.

He's alright, not in the same class as someone like Xavi or Makelele in his pomp but reasonable enough. He certainly is preferable to Gago.

Preview

Saturday December 13
13 Dec, 19:00 Valencia v Espanyol
13 Dec, 21:00 Barcelona v Real Madrid

Sunday December 14
14 Dec, 16:00 Athletic Bilbao v Sporting de Gijón
14 Dec, 16:00 Getafe v Mallorca
14 Dec, 16:00 Recreativo Huelva v Osasuna
14 Dec, 16:00 Valladolid v Deportivo la Coruna
14 Dec, 16:00 Málaga v C.D Numancia
14 Dec, 16:00 Almeria v Racing Santander
14 Dec, 18:00 Sevilla v Villarreal
14 Dec, 20:00 Atlético de Madrid v Real Betis Balompié

So then, set your videos and prime your armchairs, as El Classico is upon us. Ultimately this could prove to be one of the most one-sided Barcelona-Real Madrid derbies in years, as Pep Guardiola’s men look invincible right now whilst Real Madrid, coming off two consecutive losses and having dispensed with Bernd Schuster on Tuesday, look anything but. Or, a Ramos-inspired Real Madrid could pull off an unlikely win at the Camp Nou (spurred on by memories of their win there last year) and get back in the title race, handing Barcelona their first defeat since the opening day. Ramos re-jigged the formation for Tuesday’s game against Zenit and it seemed to work, so confidence in the team will be up. The big question is whether Madrid’s patchy defence can cope with Barcelona’s attacking might. I know where my money’s going.

Saturday’s main event is preceded by Valencia hosting Espanyol, a team themselves getting used to a change of management. Valencia were simply ripped to shreds by Barcelona last week so Unai Emery will need all his managerial skills to pick his team up and dispose of a team who will have Luis Garcia back leading the line after his ban.

On Sunday, there are several games of significance at the other end of the table as the bottom two face off at the Nuevo Colombino. Recre have the worst home record in the league, Osasuna the worst away; Unsurprisingly this game is not on the TV schedule. Sevilla, fresh from helping bringing about Schuster’s demise, now face the none-too-easy task of playing Villarreal, who are just about capable of anything depending on their mood and whether Nihat’s fit. Sporting Gijon take their surprisingly good away record to the San Mames and two of the season’s over-achievers thus far, Valladolid and Deportivo, meet at the Estadio José Zorrilla. Atletico Madrid, in free-scoring league form, come up against an improving Real Betis outfit having secured qualification to the next stage of the Champions league. Will they take their foot off the pedal? I would advise not missing any of the four TV games this weekend, they look like belters.

Also according SSN Zokora is wanted by Ramos

Also according SSN Zokora is wanted by Ramos

Guillem Balague says so, too, but doesn't he work for AS, or did he?

Apparently Ramos was close to signing Johnson at Spurs, but the deal fell through, apparently he wants him at Real.

I'd be surprised if they splashed as much as is being speculated on him, especially when they can sign Capel.

Iker Casillas is showing why he is the worlds best. Brilliant penalty save denying Eto'o and then another stop again denying Eto'o and the rebound from Messi.



Messi has been hacked down for the full first half, poor lad.

He's not even Spain's best.

Game o v e r

It really hurts me to see Real struggling, I bet Cristiano is gutted, although I expect them to come after him all guns blazing come july.

He is, I know you're probably going to say Reina, but he drops too many clangers for my liking.

Watch Iker more...

La Liga winner...check
European cup winner....check
European championship winner....check

Reina has won the Euro's, too. Djimi Traore has won a CL, does that make him the best?


Watch Iker Casillas more, R. Madrid are renowned for their poor defence, and he's part of that defence. He's made as many clangers this year, as Reina has in his Liverpool career...

Iker Casillas Is Quite Possibly The Best Keeper In The World, Definately In The Top 3, If It Wasn't For Him Real Would Probably Have Been Routed...
Glad I Had Samuel Eto'o To Out Score Gonzalo Higuain @ 11/8...

I don't need to, I've seen him compete at the highest level for the past 10 years, you make my point for me very well, Reina has been behind a very good defence like Dudek and Westerweld before him, he's a system keeper, Casillas has rarely ahd a good defence in front of him, hence his loss of form.

Reina

Buffon

Frey

Three better




I actually think Casillas is up there with the world's most overrated players, and if it wasn't for him being the darling of Madrid, Reina would be first choice.

Based on this season's form, Reina should be the Spanish number 1 without any argument at all.

Absolute quality.

Poor Mans Víctor Valdés...

Oh dear

So you think Casillas has been better than Reina during this season?

Class

Reina has been the best keeper in the PL this season.

Casillas is a top quality keeper, and IMO is probably the second best behind Buffon. A move to United with a decent defence would do him (and us) and world of good.

Nothing will tempt Casillas away from Real, not even £230,000 a week from Manchester City.

To be quite honest, all the 'keeper of United has to do is catch crosses and distribute the ball well, Casillas is decent at both, but he's a puncher, surely the former Madrid 'keeper, Diego Lopez would be a better option in England?