Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona - La Liga
- Real Madrid travel to Barcelona for the first Clasico of 2023/24
- Madrid lost three of the five head-to-head meetings last season
- Jude Bellingham was forced off in midweek with knock
While a 4-0 beatdown of their eternal rivals paved the way for a Copa del Rey success, Real Madrid certainly wouldn't have been best pleased with their El Clasico efforts last season.
Carlo Ancelotti's side lost three of the five duels with Barcelona last season, defeats which included the unofficial ending of the La Liga title race as well as the Spanish Super Cup.
However, Los Blancos head into the first head-to-head duel of 2023/24 at the top of La Liga and emboldened by the dazzling form of a certain English superstar. Saturday's Clasico will not define both Barca and Madrid's respective seasons, but it will set a tone or two.
Here's how Madrid could line up for their visit to Catalonia.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-1-2)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga - The Spaniard has so far done a pretty good job of filling in for long-term absentee Thibaut Courtois. He's one of a couple of Madrid stars preparing for their first Clasico.
RB: Dani Carvajal - A Clasico veteran. Carvajal is the longest-serving member of the Madrid squad and has featured in this contest over 25 times.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - Who will the German be duelling on Saturday? There are doubts over Robert Lewandowski's fitness, although the Polish hitman is expected to return to action for this heavyweight clash.
CB: David Alaba - Ancelotti would be wise to drop the fiery Nacho in favour of the more serene Alaba. The Austrian's ball-playing abilities will be key to Madrid establishing some control away from home.
LB: Ferland Mendy - The don has several options here. Fran Garcia's vulnerabilities mean it's unlikely he'll start, so Mendy, who has lost his burst after battling multiple injuries, could get the nod at left-back.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The France international is a pivotal member of this Madrid side and is a sure bet to start at the base of midfield.
CM: Toni Kroos - The elegant German midfielder has spoken in the past about the "special feeling" he gets ahead of a Clasico. That ambiguous sensation will course through him as he prepares for another start in this fixture.
CM: Federico Valverde - The relentless midfielder has previously dominated this fixture in multiple roles. Given his form to start the new season, you wouldn't put it past Valverde to dominate yet again on Saturday.
AM: Jude Bellingham - Madrid's English prince makes his Clasico bow this weekend after scoring yet again in midweek. Ancelotti assured supporters he'll be fine for Saturday's game despite being forced off against Braga.
ST: Rodrygo - Will Rodrygo's season burst into life with a stellar performance in the biggest domestic clash of the campaign?
ST: Vinicius Jr - Madrid's game-breaker. While Bellingham is the shiny new toy that's grabbed everybody's attention, Vinicius continues to operate in the shadows. The Brazilian's speed will give the Barcelona backline plenty to think about.
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