Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid - La Liga

Barcelona are looking to land a significant blow on Clasico rivals Real Madrid this Saturday when the two sides lock horns at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

The Catalan giants can move six points clear of their title rivals and the defending champions should they taste victory in the Spanish capital this weekend, extending their impressive start to the 2024/25 season under new boss Hansi Flick.

Barca have lost just two matches under the German's guidance despite a lengthy injury list but their exceptional form and the return of some key personnel will offer them hope of winning a first Clasico since March 2023.

Here is how Barca could line up this weekend.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

GK: Inaki Pena - Emergency signing Wojciech Szczesny is yet to feature since Marc-Andre ter Stegen's injury and 25-year-old Pena is likely to retain his starting berth for such an important clash.

RB: Jules Kounde - With Carlo Ancelotti potentially returning to the 4-3-1-2 formation that was so successful last season due to injuries, Kounde may not have a one-v-one battle with Vinicius Junior. However, he's still likely to battle the Brazilian and Kylian Mbappe regularly at the Santiago Bernabeu.

CB: Pau Cubarsi - Cubarsi has risen to prominence rapidly since his emergence last season but he will be offered arguably the toughest test of his career on Saturday. Coping with Vinicius, Mbappe and a marauding Jude Bellingham will require immense concentration.

CB: Inigo Martinez - With Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen still sidelined, Martinez will retain his spot in the starting XI. The fact that Barca conceded four in his absence against Osasuna in late September speaks volumes.

LB: Alejandro Balde - While the youngster will be relieved to see Rodrygo residing in the treatment room, he will be offered little rest on Saturday. The Spaniard will also need to keep close tabs on his compatriot Lucas Vazquez, who showed his attacking quality in the midweek win over Borussia Dortmund with a fine goal.

DM: Marc Casado - An injury crisis in midfield has thrust Casado into the spotlight but he has handled the pressure immensely well. "He's incredible," said Flick of the 21-year-old after the 4-1 win over Bayern Munich.

DM: Pedri - Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo are all returning to the fold and that will force a midfield reshuffle in the coming weeks. However, for now, Flick will be eager not to rush them back into action, with Pedri likely operating in a deeper role again at the Bernabeu.

AM: Fermin Lopez - With Olmo coming back into the team after a month on the sidelines, Lopez knows that he will return to the bench soon. However, he impressed against Bayern and scored in this fixture last season.

RW: Lamine Yamal - Ten La Liga appearances in 2024/25 have yielded four goals and six assists for the 17-year-old. He already has plenty of Clasico experience and he'll be keen to exploit Ferland Mendy on Saturday night.

LW: Raphinha - Having long been ignored and even maligned during his Barca days, Raphinha is now in the form of his life. Flick has unlocked the Brazilian's potential and he finished the victory over Bayern with another exceptional hat-trick.

ST: Robert Lewandowski - Speaking of impressive form, Lewandowski is glad to have reunited with former Bayern boss Flick. The Pole has scored 12 goals in ten La Liga matches and has looked re-energised this term.

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