For me, the front 2 and back 4 are givens, Ruud and Raul in front, Ramos-Pepe-Canna-Marcelo in the back. Some people might argue against Marcelo, going with a more defensive minded player (Torres or Heinze) but I really think Marcelo might be our way through the midfield (you can pretty much count on Toure marking Ramos). Robinho and Diarra will start, and I’m guessing Sneijder as well, so the big decision will be between Guti and The Beast. This decision will dictate where Sneijder plays (right if Baptista, center if Guti).

Baptista’s been on a roll lately, and has the momentum. He also has the ability to fire in crackers from outside the box, which would be valuable against Barcelona’s defence (I’d don’t rate Valdes highly against that type of shot). He’s been playing the role of work-horse who floats at center and drives the ball forward. But you can’t put a price on Guti’s passes. Unless he’s having an off day, he’ll set up at least three easy goals, and it’s up to the striker to finish. Tough choice.

“It is a nice feeling to know that you have done a good job. The Bernabéu doesn’t give an ovation like that everyday. It was a dream come true,” he explained.

“I know many centre backs have had trouble on this team, but I think I’m being successful here, just like the rest of the players here now. I’ve always had faith in myself, despite what pople have told me about (Walter) Samuel and (Jonathan) Woodgate.”

“Hierro was one of the greats and I have to admit I have always tried to pull off the things he did. He was a role model for me; I always paid close attention to his game,” he continued.

“I like to defend by anticipating our opponent’s play. A good centre back has to know what’s about to happen. He has to be able to see the danger ahead. I still have to do better at that.”

“Eto’o is a great player and one must always be concentrated when playing against him because the slightest distraction could be deadly. Barcelona were in great need of him,” he said.

“But the key will be to stop Xavi and Iniesta. We will gain a lot of ground if we do this.

“We know it is an important match against a strong contender and we will fight hard to earn a victory that would allow us to be relaxed during the Christmas holiday.

“It is very important to put Barcelona at a seven-point distance, but it wouldn’t be enough to forget about them because there is still a long way to go in this competition.”