Currently standing in the fourth spot in La Liga, Real Madrid are hosting rivals, Barcelona, in a highly anticipated El Classico matchup on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The Catalan side will move 14 points clear of the Galacticos if they manage to come away with the win in this fixture.
Barcelona were potentially written off as contenders this season after a summer exit of their star winger, Neymar. The record-breaking deal took an even bitter turn when replacement, Ousmane Dembele picked up a hamstring injury after just 2 appearances in the La Liga.
However, it is foolish to underestimate the brilliance of Lionel Messi, who has single-handedly led the attacking lineup for the Blaugrana. With 14 goals and 5 assists in the last 16 games, the Argentinian is reluctant to concede any more titles to Madrid this season.
Real Madrid broke the record last season after winning the Champions League 2 years in a row. But Zinedine Zidane’s men have had to endure the fatigue and the mental complacency that comes with multiple trophies in shorts spaces of time. Their start to the season has been disappointing so far with crucial points dropped against weaker sides and falling behind Valencia and Atletico Madrid in the points table. However, Zidane’s side can mount a comeback run in the second half of the season, starting with an improved display in this fixture.
Here is the 4-3-3 formation for Barcelona.
Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is club’s first choice keeper and is expected to start in this fixture in between the sticks.
With Nelson Semedo failing to make even the bench for the past 2 out of 3 matches in the La Liga he can be ruled out from appearing in the right back position. Instead, Sergio Roberto might get fielded there with Jordi Alba taking up his usual spot on the left.
Samuel Umititi has still not been cleared to play for the side after picking up a hamstring injury against Celta Vigo. Thomas Vermaelen has appeared for the Catalan club in the centre-back position alongside Gerard Pique for the past couple of games. The duo is expected to resume their duties at the back.
Midfield
Countering the stacked midfield of Zidane’s side will be difficult but crucial to stop Madrid from controlling the possession throughout the game. Sergio Busquets is expected to take up the defensive midfield pocket behind Paulinho and Andres Iniesta.
Attack
Lionel Messi often operates from deep with a free-flowing movement pattern from the right-hand side. With Luis Suarez up top as the lone striker and Francisco Paco Alcacer on the left wing, the Argentinian will be his usual self against the Los Blancos and look to terrorize the Madrid defence line throughout the match.
