Barcelona are due to play their arch-rivals, Real Madrid once again this Saturday evening. The two oppositions would be facing each other for the third time within the span of 30 days. The previous two meetings between Real and Barca have ended in a draw and a victory for Barcelona.
The Cules seemed right on top of their game when they faced Santiago Solari’s men in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg fixture. A resounding 0-3 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu was all that mattered for Barcelona to progress in the cup tie.
However, the upcoming meeting is going to be an entirely different ball game as they play each in the La Liga Santander. Barcelona emerged victorious the last time these two sides met in La Liga with an embarrassing and humiliating 5-1 defeat for Madrid. This should leave the Los Blancos with more than enough reason to seek revenge.
Ernesto Valverde has a full-strength squad to pick from for the up-coming Clasico except for Rafinha and Thomas Vermaelen. Arturo Vidal, Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique all carry the risk of missing Barcelona’s next Primera Division fixture against Rayo Vallecano with four yellow cards each to their names.
Here’s how we at T4O feel Valverde’s men would line-up to face Real Madrid.
Defence
Ter Stegen would be the man taking charge in front of goal. The German had a fantastic outing the last time he stepped foot at the Bernabeu. The right back position would be of slight concern with Vinicius in the form of his life, but Semedo should start given that he could cope with the pace of Brazilian Junior in the cup fixture.
Pique would start in the heart of the Barcelona defence and would be partnered by Clement Lenglet who seems far more match-fit than Samuel Umtiti. The left-back position would be without a doubt be occupied by Jordi Alba.
Midfield
The ever-reliant Sergio Busquets would be starting in midfield alongside Ivan Rakitic and Sergi Roberto. The trio was clinical in Barcelona’s win against Real Madrid a couple of nights ago. Carlos Alena may be bought into the side instead of Sergi Roberto given that momentum is in Barcelona’s favour.
Attack
With Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez compulsory on a to-do list for the starting eleven, there is only a vacancy on the right-hand side. Dembele started in the league meeting and got two assists to his credit. Coutinho who has been not performing as per expectations lately could be given the nod to prove his worth on the big day. However, it would be difficult to predict between the two as Barcelona are in commanding position to win the league title once again this year.
Predicted Line-Up
Ter Stegen
Semedo – Pique – Lenglet – Alba
Alena/Roberto – Busquets – Rakitic
Messi – Suarez – Dembele/Coutinho
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