Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to take on each other this weekend in one of the most important games of the season. Only one point separates the two teams in the La Liga table right now, as they appear to be the top favourites to win the league. Of course, Atletico Madrid cannot be counted out and are in great form, while Girona have done a fantastic job to stay in the mix till now.
It is not hard to understand why a lot is riding on the result of the first El Clasico of the season. Both teams go into it on the back of narrow wins in the Champions League.
We all know that Real Madrid will be without some key players on the day, and have been for a while. But Barcelona are set to be missing quite a few of their star performers as well.
As reported by AS, right now everything indicates that Frenkie de Jong will not be in the El Clasico. Pedri and Jules Kounde were already left with minimal options to reach the match against Real Madrid.
Barcelona handed a triple blow before facing Real Madrid
So, it looks like Barcelona will be missing three key players against Real Madrid in the form of De Jong, Pedri and Kounde. Unless something unexpected happens.
There is a good chance that all of them would have started on the day if they were fit enough to do so. Xavi has an interesting puzzle to solve without a doubt.
That being said, Barcelona’s recent record against Real Madrid has been very good. They might be considered slight favourites going into the game even though Carlo Ancelotti’s team have been in better form till now in the ongoing campaign. Games are not played on paper or based on the past though.