Barcelona will travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second El Clasico clash of the season. The Catalonia giants have managed to open up a two-point lead in the La Liga table after Real Madrid slipped up in recent weeks. The Los Blancos also came up short against English heavyweights Manchester City in the Champions League as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.
Hence, Quique Setien’s men will look to pile more misery on Real Madrid. A win in this encounter for either of the side might decide which way the La Liga title might go. Barcelona have won their last four games in the La Liga, but they too produced an underwhelming display in Europe as Napoli held them. Real Madrid have failed to win their last 7 La Liga encounters with Barcelona (D3, L4). If they are unable to win again, then this will be their worst winless streak in the El Clasico history.
Team News: Ousmane Dembele and Luis Suarez are long term absentees, and they are unlikely to feature this season. Jordi Alba is also set to miss out due to a groin issue. Versatile full-back Sergi Roberto is also on the treatment table as he is going to be out for few more weeks. Gerard Pique seemingly suffered an ankle injury against Napoli, but he should be ready for this crucial tie.
4-3-3 Predicted Barcelona Lineup Vs Real Madrid
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen is guaranteed to start in goal. Junior Firpo will get a taste of El Clasico in the absence of Alba at left-back. Samuel Umtiti has been the preferred centre back over Clement Lenglet under new manager Setien. The Frenchman should start in central defence. Gerard Pique is expected to feature alongside him. Nelson Semedo will occupy the right-back spot for the reigning La Liga champions.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will be in his typical defensive midfield position. Frenkie De Jong is a nailed-on starter in midfield for the Blaugrana. The other midfield spot could be one of Ivan Rakitic and Arthur Melo. We are expecting Melo to feature in this encounter.
Attack
Arturo Vidal has played in the front three in the past few games, and he could start from the left. Antoine Griezmann will be expected to lead the line and play in a central position. Lionel Messi will be in a free-flowing role down the right. The Argentine could exchange places with Griezmann during the game and Messi might play up top with Griezmann shifting on the flanks.
