Barcelona and Real Madrid will renew their historic rivalry when they square off in this season’s first El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The Blaugrana are level on points with their bitter rivals at the top of the La Liga table after eight games, although Xavi Hernandez’s side are ahead on goal difference. They come into arguably the biggest game of the season off the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League, which has potentially ended their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds for the second year running.
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona have an injury crisis in defence, losing the likes of Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Hector Bellerin since the international break. However, Xavi and co. have been boosted by the return of Kounde, who has missed the last two league games with a thigh problem.
It looks like Kounde has recovered fully from a thigh problem and will be in the travelling squad, but Memphis Depay misses out.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre ter-Stegen has conceded only one goal in eight league games so far this season. He has regained his form and deserves to be in goal at the weekend.
Defence
Xavi will make changes to his defence after a poor performance against Inter. Gerard Pique could be the first to get the chop after the veteran Spaniard struggled against the Serie A side. Fit-again Jules Kounde will replace Pique in the team, pairing up with Eric Garcia at the heart of the defence in the Barcelona lineup.
In Jordi Alba, Marcos Alonso and Alejandro Balde, Xavi has three left-back options to select from. There is a chance of the Spanish tactician trusting youth over experience and going with Balde in the derby, with Sergi Roberto set to keep his place at right-back in the Barcelona lineup.
Midfield
Sitting in front of the back four, Sergio Busquets will look to control the tempo of the play. His presence at the base of the midfield gives calmness and stability to the Barcelona side. Frenkie de Jong made a case for a start after his impactful cameo off the bench against Inter, but Xavi is likely to stick with Pedri and Gavi in the middle of the park in the Barcelona lineup.
As a result, De Jong might again have to be content with a role on the bench, along with Franck Kessie.
Attack
It is impossible to look beyond Robert Lewandowski in the Blaugrana attack. He is their main source of goals and coming off the back of a brace against Inter, the Pole will be super confident against Real.
Joining Lewandowski in the Barcelona attack will be Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha, with the two wide players expected to cause problems to the Real defence with their trickery, pace and movement.
