Real Madrid will face FC Barcelona away from home in one of the most anticipated games worldwide after an emphatic 5-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk. Los Blancos would like to keep their winning momentum when they go up against the Blaugrana side.
The whites from Madrid emerged victorious three times in the last 5 El Classico, with Barca winning only one of them.
Carlo Ancelloti will be managing Madrid in his sixth El Classico on Sunday, winning just two and losing three till now.
Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal have both returned to training, but it is very unlikely for either of them to start the game. Ferland Mendy, Marcelo, and Toni Kroos are all fully fit.
Los Blancos will need to put up another spectacular display to secure a win on matchday 9. Ancelloti will be hoping his side to be stable defensively and resist Barcelona’s every attack.
Here is our predicted Real Madrid XI for the game against FC Barcelona:
Goalkeeper:- Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is in phenomenal form and has produced many jaw-dropping saves. The Belgian is expected to have a busy night in goal against the likes of Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay.
Defenders:- Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho
Mendy straight away started the game Shakhtar on Tuesday after being on the sidelines for five months. The French international had a brilliant time on the pitch and will hope to do the same in the El Classico. Mendy’s physicality solidifies the defense without any doubt.
Alaba and Militao will have a laborious day in the center of the defense. The duo will have to be clinical and sharp in their tackles to resist the hosts. The Austrian will have to be a great leader at the back for Madrid, and he will have to use all of his experience on the pitch.
Nacho will be hoping to feature in the lineup on Sunday as the right back. The Spaniard surely strengthens the defense playing on the right. The versatile defender needs to contribute even offensively to help the team.
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Midfielders:- Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric
Toni Kroos is fully fit and back in the squad, and the German’s presence surely makes a difference. Kroos will have to supply balls to his teammates from the back and create chances for them.
Casemiro had an amazing outing against Shakhtar and looked to be at his best. The Brazilian will play an important role infront of the defense and provide more stability at the back.
Modric will have to use his creativity and pull some strings from the middle of the park and help the team secure all three points at Camp Nou. The midfield trio of Kroos-Casemiro-Modric is one of the best worldwide.
Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo
Vinicius produced another stellar performance on Tuesday in UCL, and the youngster will be expected to repeat the in El Classico. Vini Jr. is in electrifying form since the beginning of the season and has provided a tremendous threat to the opposition defense.
Karim Benzema is one of the favorites for the Ballon d’or is the leader of the attack for the Spanish side. The Frenchman is the top goal scorer in La Liga this season, and he has proved to be a reliable source in front of the goal.
Rodrygo is the most favorite to start on the right-wing for Blancos. The young Brazilian is full of talent and is a constant threat to the defenders.
Real Madrid’s starting XI against Barcelona:- Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo.
El Classico will take place at Camp Nou on Sunday (3:15pm BST).
