Tuesday 29 March 2016 12:49, UK
Johan Cruyff's passing has changed the complexion of this weekend's El Clasico, according to Sky Sports Spanish football expert Terry Gibson.
Barcelona take on Real Madrid live on Sky Sports 2 HD this Saturday, in their first match since Cruyff lost his long-term battle with lung cancer at the age of 68.
Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane have Champions League games against Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid respectively to prepare for the following week, but Gibson believes neither side will consider resting players for this huge clash.
Both sides have delivered their own tributes to Cruyff this week and the news, which shook the world of football, is set to add an extra dimension to El Clasico.
"It gives it a new slant to the game," Gibson told the Sky Sports La Liga Weekly podcast.
"We were looking at this game prior to the death of Johan Cruyff, Real Madrid have got Wolfsburg, Barcelona play Atletico Madrid, you look at the league table, which suggests that Barcelona could rest one or two players for the Real Madrid game, of course they wouldn't want to lose.
"Now, it is going to be a massive occasion and I think you can look at the game totally different now. The strongest team from Barcelona will play."
A talking point ahead of the game is Barcelona's goalkeeping situation. Marc-Andre ter Stegen suggested his future at the club was in doubt due to a lack of playing time.
Ter Stegen said: "If the situation remains the way it is at the moment, however, then we're definitely going to have to talk - there's no avoiding that."
However, Claudio Bravo is currently first choice keeper at the club despite being 32-years-old and his excellent form since arriving at the Nou Camp is signalled by the fact that he won the Zamora Trophy for conceding the fewest goals in the Spanish top flight last term.
It is going to be an interesting situation," Gibson added.
"The choice is one where there is a near 10 year difference between the ages, Claudio Bravo and Ter Stegen.
"Do you stick with the 32-year-old who hasn't let them down, he's been super, faultless since he joined the club, or the 23-year-old for the long term who has got potential, add into the equation speculation in the Spanish press that they are looking at Courtois.
"It does appear as if there is a big question mark over the goalkeeper for Barcelona next season."
Real Madrid also have a few selection issues to iron out with Sergio Ramos struggling with a back complaint alongside the need to get the best out of their front three of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have failed to win an El Clasico when they have all started together.
Gibson believes Zidane's team are the perfect opponents for Barcelona on Saturday as Real look to close the 10-point gap between the two clubs.
"I think it is fitting that they are playing Real Madrid, who have behaved impeccably as well with their tributes to Barcelona and to Johan Cruyff.
"I just hope we have a real top class game that is fitting of the memory of Johan Cruyff. I think that is possible because of the league table positioning, the pressure is off both teams slightly, so I am really hoping for a good game this weekend."
Watch Barcelona v Real Madrid live on Sky Sports 2 HD this Saturday from 7pm.
