More than any time I remember, the build-up to this year's early clasico at the Nou Camp is extra-crunchy, filled with more than the typical amount of morbo, that equal amounts anger, rage and perverse fascination that drives most truly great rivalries.

On the Barce side: Txiki says, "We are the world's reference point", as if no one should tie on a Real Madrid tie. On the other side, Cristiano Ronaldo says not one Barca player would start in Madrid. Barca head-honcho Joan Laporta said that nothing is clear in matches like this; anyone can win and his opposite number Florentino Perez countered with,"we have come here to win." That's a good way to start a rivalry match, but what about the players?

Pellegrini noted that Real Madrid will attack, naming his squad of Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Lass, Marcelo, Kaká, Higuaín y Cristiano. Looks like Madrid will likely play a 4-2-3-1 with the usuals at the back, a partnership between Xabi and Lass, three above them in Marcelo, Kaka and Cristiano with Higuain up top. More likely they'll target Xavi and Iniesta, pressure them, and hit Barca on the counter where they are weakest.

Guardiola on the other hand is keeping his cards close to his sweater-vest, and not revealing his strating line-up. As if anyone doubts what it'll be. Valdez in goal, some combination of Puyol, Alves, Pique and Abidal at the back, and Keita or Busquets to partner the magic duo of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. In front, only Thierry Henry is assured, both Zlatan and Messi are hurt, but preparations all week have noted that the pair are training and likely will play. If not, as the Inter Milan match showed midweek, Barca's style is the constant, not the players so they may not miss such an illustrious pair as Ibrahimovic and Leo.

What this means is that Madrid will play to their strengths, a quick-strike counter attack sprung by the long-range passing of Xabi Alonso and the pace of Kaka, Higuain, Marcelo, and Cristiano. Defense however, is a weakness, especially one on one and against the pacier players Barca will be sliding into the area. The left wing is a weak spot in particular where Marcelo lacks the skills (marking, tackling, instinct, etc.) to play in Spain. Barcelona will need to pay with intensity however, as they have lacked that late spark of motivation against lesser opponents. It won't be a problem against the leaders in La Liga, but they might return to form nontheless.

Prediction: Earlier in the week I was looking at this as a draw, maybe 2-2 and then Barca demolished Inter and I hovered for awhile at 3-1, but I think a draw now is more likely. I know that there are very few draws in these matches over-time, and especially over the last 10 matches, but I'm just getting that feeling about this.