On Sunday, Real Madrid are set to face Barcelona in a do-or-die match for Los Blancos' aspirations of winning La Liga this season. Having lost all previous matchups against Barcelona this season, it will be crucial for Madrid to field a strong starting XI.
The Merengues can take some pointers from their last encounter with Barcelona, where they played some incredible football and came close to winning the tie before ultimately losing 3-2 in extra time.
Here is Real Madrid’s predicted XI for their matchup against Barcelona:
GK - Thibaut Courtois
This is a no-brainer decision as there are currently very few goalkeepers as good as Courtois. Although it’s true that he was a bit shaky in the last El Clasico, it was just a one-off occurrence for the Belgian, who is generally solid in front of the goal.
RB - Lucas Vazquez
This is the name no Madrid fan will want to see in the right-back position, especially against a top opponent like Barcelona. Few might even ask the question why we couldn’t start Federico Valverde at that position. However, owing to various absences in the squad due to injuries, Valverde will have to be deployed in his natural position in midfield.
CB - Raul Asencio
The youngster has been a constant presence in Madrid’s defence since his debut for the first team at the beginning of this season. In this match as well, Ancelotti will start the Spanish youngster in defence.
CB - Aurelien Tchouameni
Antonio Rudiger is currently sidelined due to injury and is also serving a match ban due to his outburst during the last El Clasico. As a result, Ancelotti will have to opt for Tchouameni, moving him from his natural role once again. It will be interesting to see how the Frenchman performs, as he has been in top form recently in his natural CDM position.
LB - Fran Garcia
Real Madrid’s defence is stretched too thin due to injuries to key players. Once again, Ancelotti will be forced to play Garcia, who has not been able to perform at a high level this season despite getting multiple opportunities due to the absence of Ferland Mendy. It will be another opportunity for Garcia to turn his Real Madrid career around with a solid performance.
CDM - Federico Valverde
Valverde is expected to start at the holding midfield position as Tchouameni will be deployed at the back. Valverde will play a crucial role in setting the tempo of the game.
CM - Jude Bellingham
Bellingham has been one of the best players for Real Madrid recently. Even in games where the entire team has looked poor, Bellingham has performed well. During the last El Clasico, the Englishman was incredible and was all over the pitch. He will undoubtedly be present in the starting line-up for Real Madrid.
CM - Dani Ceballos
Dani Ceballos has recently come back from injury and is constantly improving. He started the last El Clasico, and Ancelotti is expected to give the nod to him in this matchup as well.
RW - Arda Guler
The youngster has mesmerised the Los Blancos fans with his recent performances. Ancelotti had recently promised more game time for the youngster, and this will be the perfect opportunity to show trust in him. He is expected to start ahead of Rodrygo who has been inconsistent lately. In the latest La Liga matchup against Celta Vigo, Guler scored a sublime goal from inside the box and also provided an assist. It will be interesting to see if he can continue his good form into this match as well.
LW - Vinicius Junior
Vinicius is having a slow season by his standards. It’s almost as if he is trying too hard, which is affecting his performances. However, on his day, he is still the best left winger in the world. He is expected to start in that position against Barcelona.
ST - Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe is already the highest scorer for Real Madrid this season in his debut campaign. It is a no-brainer decision for Ancelotti to start the Frenchman, given Mbappe’s record against Barcelona.
Real Madrid have a chance to win La Liga if they manage to beat Barcelona. The Culers will likely have some tired legs on the field, having played through extra time in their defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League. This might be the best opportunity for Los Blancos to secure their first El Clásico win of the season and that too at a crucial period in the league. Let’s hope the Madrid players return victorious this time.