Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has already settled on his tactics for the El Clasico at Real Madrid. Guardiola is prepared to attack at the Bernabeu and will employ a 3-5-2 next weekend, says Sport.

Javier Mascherano will play at centre of the defence, flanked by Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol, with Guardiola backing his midfield to win their battle with Real.

"For me the key is always the midfield, midfielders, the more we have, the better," ventured Guardiola this season when asked about the signing of Cesc Fabregas.

In attack, Lionel Messi will be employed, though Guardiola is yet to decide on his partner. He may even leave David Villa on the bench and go with Cesc to play just behind Messi.

Despite the pace of Real's attacking players, Guardiola believes the key to the game will be controlling midfield.