After a very convincing 5-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night in the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid now prepare for one of their most anticipated matches of any season as they take on Barcelona on Sunday afternoon with both teams fighting for some consistency in the league. A win here would mean more than just three points or a victory over their rivals as it always does.
Even with some big names no longer taking part in El Clasico such as Lionel Messi or Sergio Ramos, this is a game that carries weight and will be watched by millions worldwide regardless of who does or does not play.
Goalkeeper
If there is a goalkeeper who absolutely craves the big stage, it’s Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper has been in consistent form over the past two seasons and he hasn’t slowed down at all this year. Courtois will surely be tested often by the likes of Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay and he’ll need to be prepared for a very big night.
Defenders
With Dani Carvajal out injured, there is no doubt that the man who should be starting at right-back is Lucas Vazquez. He may not have all the fans take his side, but he can perform big in El Clasico which is something that he has done in the past. The Spaniard is already a very tireless runner up and down the flanks and he’ll put in extra for a game like this, which could be exactly what they need.
In the center, Eder Militao will take his place and he’ll need to avoid making some of the mistakes we have seen from him in recent months as Barcelona’s forward will definitely take advantage of that. Next to him will be the defensive leader in David Alaba who is preparing to play his first Clasico. The Austrian has been a breath of fresh air this season and he’ll be vital for this game.
On the left, we welcome back Ferland Mendy who started for the first time this season against Shakhtar Donetsk and looked very fit and prepared to come into a game of this magnitude. He has been missed during this campaign and it’s a privilege to have him back in the team.
Midfielders
Real Madrid’s midfield trio that has become synonymous with success will be expected to start this game. Carlos Casemiro will be in front of the defenders to do what he does best as we have seen him seemingly regain his top form last Tuesday after some questionable performances. In front of him will be Luka Modric and Toni Kroos who are both fit and ready to take part in the match. There is an argument to be made about Federico Valverde starting the game but it seems unlikely as of now. However, seeing him come in during the second half is definitely not out of the question depending on how the match goes.
Forwards
If this was before the match against Shakhtar, the prediction for who could start as part of the front three may have been a little different but things have changed since then. Rodrygo Goes has put in brilliant effort in his recent performances and topped it up with yet another great night in Kyiv, as Carlo Ancelotti admitted it would be difficult to drop him after a night like that.
On the opposite flank, Vinicius Junior has yet again proven to be un-droppable after two extremely well-taken goals and an assist on Tuesday night. He will definitely be one of the starters for this game. Up front, another guaranteed starter is Karim Benzema who has consistently shown that there is simply no one else like him at Real Madrid or in world football as a whole.
Full Predicted Lineup
Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema
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