Gerard Pique under pressure as Luis Enrique ponders Clasico XI

Gerard Pique under pressure as Luis Enrique ponders Clasico XI

Barcelona still have a blank slate in La Liga, having conceded no goals. However, they have shipped four in the Champions League, where Claudio Bravo has been rotated out for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

However, Enrique is not satisfied with the defensive effectiveness in either competition. That they have not shipped goals in La Liga doesn't mean that everything has been fine.

The win over Ajax left positive readings, but also some doubts about the defence. Enrique is concerned because he knows Real Madrid will not miss an opportunity to kill their main rivals. This is why he met with some of the defenders to review issues that have left him unsatisfied. 

Enrique knows he will play Sergio Busquets in defensive midfield, and probably then Javier Mascherano at the back.

He may choose to deploy Jeremy Mathieu at left back, which would then leave only two options at centre-back alongside Mascherano: Gerard Pique or Marc Bartra

In other seasons there would be no doubt - it's Pique's place - especially against opponents like Real Madrid, where he always puts in a good performance.

The problem is, Enrique's seen Bartra play well and fight in every training session to have a greater role. The Spaniard is delighted by the response from the youngster every time he gets a chance.

Will Bartra be given his biggest one yet on Saturday?