With just six days to go before Sunday’s Clasico, the big question on every Barça fan’s mind is who will fill in for Leo Messi. There is a small chance that Thierry Henry will be declared fit in time, but Barça are unlikely to take any risks with Henry as they want him at 100% in January when Samuel Eto’o is away at the African Nations Cup.

Ronaldinho Gaucho was left out of the team in Valencia, but Rijkaard has yet to leave him on the bench at Camp Nou. I believe Rijkaard will probably start with a front three of Iniesta-Eto’o-Ronaldinho, but Iniesta and Ronaldinho will probably switch wings throughout the game. This would mean a midfield of Xavi-Toure-Deco/Gudjohnsen. The fact that Deco still hasn’t started a game since his injury may lead Rijkaard to choose Gudjohnsen, with Deco coming on in the second half. Gudjohnsen’s performance in Valencia also works in his favour, though Rijkaard will probably make this one of his last decisions. The defence is likely to be the same four that played in Valencia. Zambrotta has been well below form recently and is unlikely to feature. 

Today’s other news is that Leo Messi has been given the go-ahead to travel to Zurich where he will receive second place behind Kaka in FIFA’s World Player 2007 award.

The condition of Guillermo Amor who was involved in a horrific car crash on Saturday night, is said to be evolving favourably, but he is still in the intensive care unit.