Real Madrid's biggest game of this young 25/26 season is already this weekend, we are of course talking about El Clásico. Real lead Barcelona by just two points and given the current form and injury status at both clubs, the game could be tilted in Real Madrid's favor.
Barcelona are currently plagued with injuries all over the pitch, where as Los Blancos will have nearly their full squad at Xabi Alonso's disposal on Sunday, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen all set to return from, their injuries.
Real will no doubt be out to make a statement at the Bernabéu on Sunday, so it will be key that Xabi Alonso picks the perfect balance in the lineup. Most of the lineup will pick itself, however there are still a few question marks surrounding a few players, specifically on the right wing.
Xabi Alonso truly has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal with the likes of Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Diaz, and Rodrygo all to choose from to start on the right flank. For most games this season Franco Mastantuono has started on the right, however, Xabi Alonso switched it up against Juventus midweek, and they player he played instead of Mastantuono may have given the head coach a new headache heading into the Clásico weekend.
Brahim Diaz just made a case for Real Madrid in El Clásico
As mentioned earlier, Xabi Alonso made changes to his starting lineup against Juventus, opting for Brahim Diaz on the right wing over Franco Mastantuono and the Spaniard had a pretty solid game, putting into question who will start up top with Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé on Sunday.
While Brahim didn't score or assist against Juventus, he put on quite the showing up and down the right flank, which could earn him an unexpected start against Barca. Xabi Alonso now has to answer a huge question of who will start on Sunday?
While Brahim put on quite the performance, Franco Mastantuono has been Alonso's go-to starter this season, but if he wants to pick the most experienced and best quality option, he'd go for Rodrygo, who has plenty of experience against Barcelona. So who does Xabi Alonso go with? I suppose only time will tell.
Madridistas have high expectations heading into El Clásico this weekend, given Real are the healthier of the two teams, and with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick being suspended, Real no doubt head into the matchup as the favorites at the Bernabéu.