The first Clasico of the season kicks off in around two and a half weeks....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Here is how the teams are likely to line up given the latest injury news.
Barcelona
Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Romeu, Gavi; Yamal, Gundogan, Felix; Lewandowski.
The era of Ronald Araujo playing as a right-back in Clasicos is over – Joao Cancelo is simply too good to be part of this experiment by Xavi. Still, it doesn’t mean the Uruguayan won’t face Vinicius Junior one-on-one – especially now that the Brazilian plays closer to the striker position.
Andreas Christensen would replace injured Jules Kounde. Pedri and Raphinha would probably be used as impact subs since they could be lacking match fitness – Gavi and Lamine Yamal would be their respective replacements.
Real Madrid
Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will surely be missing Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao. However, the Whites have been used to playing without the two stars as they got injured early in the season.
Eduardo Camavinga would likely play at left-back – this is the move which is often tested in big games as neither Ferland Mendy nor Fran Garcia seem good enough to succeed in this position.
We expect Luka Modric to start ahead of Toni Kroos. Real Madrid know Barca are likely to keep the ball on their own soil, so there is no need to start a player who does well at dictating tempo…CONTINUE READING>>>