Luis Enrique's plans for Sunday's Clasico at the Bernabeu

Barcelona must win at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday to force themselves back into the title race. Three points would take them top, but Real Madrid would have that game in hand against Celta Vigo to come. 

However, more than anything it would strike a blow to Zinedine Zidane's side, who still have a two-legged tie to come against Atletico in the Champions League, too. 

Barça are aware of what's at stake and Luis Enrique is ready to go all out for the win, picking an attacking team and betting on Messi to make the difference, with Neymar likely to be missing through suspension. 

Mascherano and a back three

For a game against Real Madrid it would seem strange not to count on El Jefecito. It's true that this season he's not always been a guaranteed starter, but he's still been picked on the big occasions. Therefore, it can't be ruled out that he's included in a back three with Pique and Umtiti. That could, though, come at a cost for Jordi Alba, given Sergi Roberto's improve form. 

The importance of set plays  

Real Madrid are a team that do danger from dead balls. In fact, in the Clasico at Camp Nou in December they equalised in the last minute from a set play. Luis Enrique and Unzue are aware of this and have worked on it. Piqué, Umtiti, Sergio Busquets, Mascherano and André Gomes could be good options to halt Madrid in the air, who are so dangerous with Sergio Ramos.

Win the midfield battle

It's clear that a midfield of three will not give Barça the physical edge against a Madrid side which will include Casemiro, Kroos, Modric and possibly Isco. Therefore, Luis Enrique will have to work out how to win the battle in the middle of the pitch. Sergi Roberto could tuck in, helping Rakitic out, while Iniesta and Busquets are likely to start. Andre Gomes could also be used, a player Luis Enrique likes. 

Alcacer or Iniesta to replace Neymar

Neymar is one of the Barcelona players who can't be replaced, but that's what Luis Enrique must do this weekend. Against Real Sociedad, Paco Alcacer was chosen and he scored the third goal. Iniesta could be another option, but in this case he would need someone behind him who can dominated the flank, such as Jordi Alba.  

Messi and Luis Suarez have to star

There's no doubt one of the keys to the Clasico will be how both Leo Messi and Luis Suarez play. If they're at their best and able to find the goals they lacked against Juventus, Barcelona can leave the Bernabeu with the points.