Real Madrid sit atop La Liga, but Barcelona carry the form of four consecutive El Clásico victories into Sunday’s tantalising clash. With everything to play for, here’s how we predict both teams to line up.
Real Madrid Team News
Madrid’s injury list looks lighter than it did a fortnight ago, but Alonso still has some big calls to make.
Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are confirmed absentees, leaving Madrid short in central defence. Dean Huijsen is expected to return after a calf problem, although if he doesn’t make it, Aurélien Tchouaméni may once again be asked to drop into the back line alongside Éder Militão.
Raúl Asencio limped off late against Juventus, however ESPN are reporting the issue was confined to cramp and that the young defender has no injury concerns ahead of Sunday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal have both been back in full training, but neither are expected to start. Ferland Mendy was in the matchday squad against Juventus, but is unlikely to start as Alonso seeks to ease him in from the bench
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois
RB: Fede Valverde
RCB: Éder Militão
LCB: Dean Huijsen
LB: Álvaro Carreras
RCM: Arda Güler
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni
LCM: Jude Bellingham
RW: Franco Mastantuono
ST: Kylian Mbappé
LW: Vinícius Júnior
Barcelona Team News
Jules Kounde didn’t train on Friday due to some physical discomfort and will have a late fitness test before Sunday. Frenkie de Jong missed Thursday’s training with gastroenteritis, but returned on Friday and is expected to play a full part in El Clásico.
Ferran Torres has returned to first team training and could feature, however Raphinha has been confirmed as missing Sunday’s clash.
Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Joan García, Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi are all long-term absentees.
Predicted Barcelona XI (4-3-3)
GK: Wojciech Szczesny
RB: Jules Koundé
RCB: Eric García
LCB: Pau Cubarsí
LB: Alejandro Balde
RCM: Pedri
CM: Frenkie De Jong
LCM: Fermín López
RW: Lamine Yamal
ST: Ferran Torres
LW: Marcus Rashford
