The third instalment of El Clasico this season will witness runaway leaders Real Madrid welcome third-placed Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have had the upper hand in this fixture this season, winning 2-1 at the Camp Nou in October and following it up by eliminating the Blaugrana from the Super Cup.
Real Madrid are currently ten points clear of second-placed Sevilla in La Liga and already have one hand on the title.
Los Blancos have won five straight games in all competitions, and four successive league games against Barcelona, making them the firm favourites later today.
Real Madrid Team News
Carlo Ancelotti will be without talisman Karim Benzema due to a calf injury. Ferland Mendy is also unavailable due to a muscle problem, but Rodrygo has shaken off a knock he suffered against Mallorca and is in contention to start.
🗣️ #ELCLÁSICO RETURNS TO THE BERNABÉU TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/xYAFzdx0X4
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 20, 2022
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
After initially struggling following his move from Chelsea in 2018, Thibaut Courtois has established himself as one of the best ‘keepers in La Liga. The Belgian has kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season.
Defenders
With Mendy ruled out, Nacho is expected to start at left-back. The Spaniard has been used in a multitude of positions and will have no problem deputizing for the Frenchman.
Eder Militao and David Alaba will continue at centre-back. Alaba’s pace, in particular, will come in handy against the likes of Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Dani Carvajal will start at right-back. The Spaniard will have his task cut out trying to contain the dynamic Jordi Alba and Ferran Torres.
Midfielders
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Barcelona
Ancelotti is unlikely to tinker with his preferred midfield trio of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Casemiro will be tasked with shielding the backline and breaking up Barcelona’s attacks, something he excels at, while Modric will have the freedom to roam. The Croat turned back the clock with a wonderful display against PSG in the Champions League, proving that he’s going strong at the age of 36.
Attackers
With Benzema out, Luka Jovic could get a rare start upfront for Real Madrid. The Serb has netted just once in all competitions this season.
Marco Asensio will likely start on the right flank ahead of Rodrygo, with Vinicius Jr. on the left. Benzema’s absence means the onus will be on the Brazilian to shoulder the goal-scoring burden.
