FC Barcelona will lock horns with bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first El Clasico of the season tomorrow.
The Blaugrana enjoyed a stunning run of results against the Spanish capital club last season, winning four in four Clasico encounters, including the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals.
This time around, though, things could be different, considering that Hansi Flick’s men have been going through an inconsistent run of form while Real Madrid have changed their style under the management of Xabi Alonso.
Furthermore, key absences through injury will also be a concern for Barça, as they are without Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen.
The manager, who himself is suspended and will not be on the touchline, has some major decisions to make in terms of selection, particularly in the defensive line.
With the top spot in the La Liga table on the line, here’s how Barcelona could take the field against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Defence
With no Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny becomes the automatic starter in goal for Barcelona. The Pole, though, must step up for the team, considering he has a very poor record against Kylian Mbappe.
Pau Cubarsi has been a permanent fixture in defence for Barça under Flick, and that will not change tomorrow for the all-important El Clasico.
As for his partner, Ronald Araujo is pushing for a start, having been used only as a substitute in the last two matches. But Eric Garcia should edge the Uruguayan out once again owing to his superior form.
Jules Kounde should continue at right-back, having been declared fit and available after recovering from a knock that led to him missing a couple of training sessions this week. Alejandro Balde will be the man deployed on the left side.
Midfield
Frenkie de Jong did not start for Barcelona in midweek against Olympiacos, but he should be reinstated to the starting XI at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Teenage gem Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’, who made his UEFA Champions League debut this week, will be the one making way for De Jong.
The Netherlands international will form the double pivot in midfield for the Catalans alongside Pedri. How the pair fares in the centre of the park will go a long way in deciding whether Barça win or lose tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Fermin Lopez is a guaranteed starter as the lone attacking midfielder for Barcelona, after his scintillating hat-trick against Olympiacos earlier this week in the Champions League.
Attack
Lamine Yamal has been in the headlines leading up to the Clasico for his comments directed at Real Madrid. Amid criticism from the Real Madrid circles, the winger will be motivated to put in another starring display at the Bernabeu like last season.
Ferran Torres has recovered from his muscle strain and should get the nod as the centre-forward. His movement and pressing from the front can be key for Barcelona against Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid.
Completing the Barcelona attacking unit will be new signing Marcus Rashford, who will make his El Clasico debut on the back of a fine performance in midweek when he scored a brace.
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