Real Madrid welcome Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu in a very crucial fixture this weekend. This is the second El Classico of this season and a win for Los Blancos will virtually see them wrap up the title.
Barcelona failed to score a single goal across the two-legged fixture in the Champions League and as a result, they crashed out of the tournament for two the second year in a row. However, a win for them could swing the pendulum in their favour as they have to win this match to stay in the title hunt.
Madrid would be eyeing their first La Liga title since 2012 and their recent form also has been very impressive. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the second leg of the Champions League quarter against Bayern Munich and the home crowd will be rooting for him for another top class performance.
Predicted 4-3-1-2 Real Madrid Lineup Against Barcelona
Defence
Keylor Navas has conceded a few silly goals this season but has remained the first choice of Zidane. The Costa Rican international had to swallow four goals when last time the Catalans visited the Santiago Bernabeu and he cannot afford any more mistakes as they are edging towards their title.
Sergio Ramos and Nacho Fernandez will continue their partnership in the heart of the Los Blancos defence. The absence of Pepe and Raphael Varane hasn’t been felt as they have been pretty solid with their performance.
Daniel Carvajal needs to be on his feet steadily as he will have the responsibility to get the better of Lionel Messi.
Marcelo was one of the best players against Bayern Munich and will play a major role in this match.
Midfield
Casemiro has been an absolute cracker in the holding midfield role and will enjoy a free flowing role ahead of the four-man defence. He will try to neutralise the Barcelona attacks as much as possible.
The pairing of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos has been magical for the Spanish giants. Modric is playing like an ageless wonder and with his acute passing and vision could create havoc in the Catalans ranks.
Toni Kroos is a set-piece specialist and is very dangerous from dead ball situations.
Attack
Gareth Bale won’t be available in this fixture and Zidane has to tweak his formation a little bit to fit Isco in. The attacking midfielder will be placed just behind the main strikers.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be upfront rather than his usual left wing role. He will be assisted by Karim Benzema.
