Today is an important day. Today we have learned that the MLS has lifted it's salary cap, ratifying the "Beckham Rule" making it possible for David Beckham to move stateside, details here.

Today we will see against Osasuna exactly what impact David Beckham's recent excellent performances have had on Real Madrid Manager, Capello. We will know if he starts that David Beckham's future options could include remaining at Real Madrid, even if that is still far from certain. However, if David Beckham does not start today considering, no matter what has been claimed, discussed, debated, exaggerated and talked to death in press conferences and column inches, he is on form, he is mentally strong and he is physically ready, then we will know that David Beckham's future lies in another direction.

The spanish press especially those sympathetic to the Bernabeu hierarchy, have already begun the publicity campaign to minimise the negative fall out for Real Madrid, which faces some embarrassment if David Beckham departs on a free or for a drastically reduced bargain transfer fee. See The Times article for an example of this. Perhaps that is a sign of where David Beckham will be when the starting whistle is blown today. However, in a few hours, we will know.

Update Well we have an answer. David Beckham is not in the starting line-up. He has worked hard to try and play his way back into contention, in fact it is hard to imagine given his recent performances, what it would take for Capello to include him in his starting 11. I'm not going to go on and on (for a change!) this is not exactly a major surprise. So quick poll! Where would you most like to see David Beckham next season the MLS or the EPL?

I'll vote for the MLS - simply because when Becks said he wouldn't play for anyone in the EPL other than Manchester United, I believe he was very sincere, so while you can never say never, I think he will go to the MLS. Anyway the games about to start - I'll be back with photos later. - Anna