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Preview for Real Madrid v Barcelona
The biggest club game in world football takes centre stage on Sunday when Real Madrid and Barcelona clash in the season’s first El Clasico.
Xabi Alonso has settled in nicely at the Santiago Bernabeu and his Madrid side head into the encounter with a two-point lead over their arch-rivals from Catalonia.
Alonso’s Barca counterpart Hansi Flick may have to watch the game from the stands after being sent-off in the closing stages of last weekend’s win over Girona. The club have appealed the one-game sanction with the Appeals Committee and are awaiting a verdict.
In the white-hot atmosphere of a Clasico, being detached from your players is not an ideal scenario and it could prove a factor in a game in which the finer details are likely to matter.
Both teams have rebounded nicely in recent weeks after demoralising defeats. Madrid were hammered 5-2 by city rivals Atletico but have recorded four successive wins in all competitions since. Barca have registered back-to-back victories since going down 4-1 at Sevilla on October 5.
The Blaugrana were much too strong for Olympiacos in midweek, winning 6-1, and appear in a good place as they prepare to head to the capital.
Defender Ronald Araujo told BarcaTV: “We have a good dynamic. We have a competitive squad and we have the conditions and quality to win.
“It’s an important game and that’s why there’s always that anxiety. But I think that in the Clasicos that we have enjoyed, they have gone well and that is what we must do.”
Barca must have enjoyed the clashes with Madrid last season, winning all four, including a 4-0 success in the corresponding La Liga game at the Bernabeu.
Team News for Real Madrid v Barcelona
Madrid will likely have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal back in the squad but neither will start. That means Federico Valverde will continue at right-back.
Dean Huijsen should make the XI, however, after overcoming a calf strain sustained on international duty.
Raphinha is Barca’s main worry after the Brazil forward, who was expected to return, sat out training on Friday. Jules Kounde is fit after a scare while Frenkie de Jong has overcome a bout of gastroenteritis.
Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski are all injured.
Predicted line-ups for Real Madrid v Barcelona
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Tchouameni; Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé
Barcelona: Szczęsny; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri, Yamal, Lopez, Rashford; Torres
How to watch Real Madrid v Barcelona: TV and online streams
Real Madrid versus Barcelona kicks off at 3.15 UK time on Sunday. The game will be televised live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting at 2.45pm.
You can stream it on the bet365 website and app.
Stats for Real Madrid v Barcelona
- Real Madrid have won 11 of their 12 matches this season, with the only blip coming against Atletico
- Barcelona are the top scorers in La Liga having netted 24 times in nine games
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
