Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka has confirmed that Los Blancos will play a 4-3-3 formation in Saturday’s Clasico against Barcelona.
Despite the fine goal-scoring form of both Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema, there will only be room for one of the two strikers, with Angel Di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo set to retain their places in attack.
Karanka, who filled in for the absent Jose Mourinho at Friday’s pre-game press conference, also revealed that the exact make-up of the midfield had yet to be decided upon.
“We will play a 4-3-3, with Di Maria, Cristiano and 'Pipa' [Higuain] or Karim,” the Madrid assistant coach explained.
“And then there are the options of [Mesut] Ozil and Kaka, Xabi [Alonso], Lass [Diarra] and [Sami] Khedira.”
Madrid go into the Clasico on top of the Primera Division table, three points clear of their rivals having played one game less. A draw would not be a catastrophic result for the home side, however, Karanka insists that Madrid will be going all out for the victory.
"We are not looking for a draw,” the former central defender said. “We always want to win all of our matches.
“The best proof of this came [against Ajax] on Wednesday in the Champions League when we went for the victory despite having already qualified [for the knockout stages] as group winners.”
Madrid defeated Barca to win the Copa del Rey last season but were pipped to the title by the Catalans and were also eliminated by Pep Guardiola’s side in the semi-final of the Champions League.
However, Madrid, who are on a 15-game winning streak in all competitions, have gone up a level this term and Karanka argues that they were always going to close the gulf in class.
"The team are better because we've been working together for a while now,” he said.
“We are in good shape and we will approach the game just like we do with all the others.
“All of our matches are important. Winning tomorrow and at Camp Nou doesn't mean anything if we lose points in other matches."
Ricardo Carvalho is Madrid’s only injury absentee for Barca's visit, with Alvaro Arbeloa having been included in their 23-man squad.
However, Karanka revealed that some doubt remains over the former Liverpool defender’s availability for the crunch clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Arbeloa has been called up but we will see tomorrow if he can play,” he said.
“Carvalho is still injured but he wants to be back as soon as possible. He is an important player in the dressing room."
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