2 years ago
The latest El Clasico will take place on Sunday evening at the Bernabeu, as La Liga leaders Real Madrid welcome third-placed Barcelona to the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid are currently 10 points ahead of second-placed Sevilla at the top of the table, with Carlo Ancelotti's side leading Barcelona by 15 points heading into this weekend's match.
Karim Benzema did not participate in Real Madrid's morning training session on Saturday, and the France international has been ruled out of this match due to a calf injury.
Despite taking a heavy knock against Mallorca, Rodrygo has been declared fit, but Ferland Mendy has a muscular problem and will be unavailable, so Nacho is expected to start at left-back.
Ancelotti is unlikely to make any surprises in midfield, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, and Luka Modric are all expected to start, with Marco Asensio likely to start on the right.
Benzema's absence will allow Gareth Bale, Mariano Diaz, Luka Jovic, or Isco to start, with the latter potentially getting the nod to play as a false nine this weekend.
For Barcelona, Alejandro Balde, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto, and Samuel Umtiti are still out, while Sergino Dest is also out with a hamstring injury.
Head coach Xavi is expected to make a couple of changes from the starting lineup against Galatasaray, with Dani Alves possibly returning at right back and Ousmane Dembele replacing Adama Traore alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres as part of a front three.
The midfield is set, but Gerard Pique's centre-back partner is still up in the air, and all indications are that Eric Garcia will start over Ronald Araujo in El Clasico.
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio, Isco, Vinicius
Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Garcia, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, F de Jong; Dembele, Aubameyang, F Torres
PREDICTION : Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona
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