Real Madrid will aim to reclaim the top spot in La Liga when they welcome bitter rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Los Blancos are in second place in the league table at the moment and have been brilliant so far, even though they were unable to beat Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League earlier this week.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain unbeaten this season but must take their performance up a notch to beat Barcelona in the upcoming edition of El Clasico.
Real Madrid have received a timely injury boost as Carlo Ancelotti revealed that Thibaut Courtois returned to training on Monday morning. The Belgian shot-stopper seems to have recovered from the injury that has kept him out since the end of last month, although Ancelotti will not risk him if he is not fully ready.
But Antonio Rudiger will guaranteed be in the Real squad having recovered from the blow to his head against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois has demonstrated his ability to decide games on his own in the past, and his potential availability on Sunday will be a massive boost for Real Madrid. If he starts, the Belgian would hope to put up a strong performance and secure a clean sheet.
Defence
David Alaba will partner Eder Militao at the heart of the backline in the Real Madrid lineup as they try to neutralise Barcelona’s attacking endeavours over the course of the 90 minutes. Full-backs Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy must provide help to the centre-backs while defending. In addition, the full-back duo must look to stretch the Barcelona side from wide areas.
Antonio Rudiger, Nacho and Jesus Vallejo will offer cover in the defensive positions.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni will reprise his No.6 role in the Real Madrid lineup, hoping to stop the opposition attacks and build a foundation for the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos to dominate the proceedings in the middle of the park.
It is difficult to look beyond Modric and Kroos when picking players in midfield for Real, and the hugely experienced and decorated duo will be raring to produce big performances against Barcelona.
Ancelotti could bring in Eduardo Camavinga off the bench in the latter stages of the game to add more solidity in midfield.
Attack
Federico Valverde has been sensational this season and deserves to start in the Real Madrid lineup for this big fixture. The Uruguayan should keep his place on the right flank, with Vinicius Jr. hoping to use his speed, trickery and movement to cause all kinds of problems to the Barcelona defence on the opposite flank.
Leading the Real Madrid lineup in attack will be none other than Karim Benzema, who has the potential to decide the El Clasico in the hosts’ favour.
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