The Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys will be the venue of the first El Classico of this season in La Liga, when Barcelona goes one-on-one against their archrivals Real Madrid on Saturday, with kickoff slated for 14:15 GMT.
Key Highlights
Barcelona’s Consistency
Xavi’s charges are unbeaten in the last five, winning three times and drawing twice. This season, they are unbeaten in La Liga with seven wins and three draws.
Barcelona will look to extend their unbeaten run. A win over Real Madrid will be crucial as it will see them leapfrog their archrivals on the La Liga table.
Real Madrid’s Top of the Table Form
Real Madrid are at the top of the La Liga table heading into the Classico weekend. They have won eight, drawn once, and lost once in their opening eight outings.
The trip to Barcelona will be crucial for Ancelotti’s men as they look to cement their position at the top of the table.
A win will also be a psychological blow to their main rivals for La Liga this season, and a boost for their confidence and bid to regain the title from the Catalonians.
Bet hereInjury Report
Barcelona
Xavi Hernandez will be without several players as injury doubts and fitness issues continue to hamper his squad and La Liga title defense.
Central midfielder Pedri is a doubt for the visit of Los Blancos on Saturday; the 20-year-old is nursing a hamstring injury he suffered on August 24th that has sidelined him from first-team action in the last 12 Barcelona outings in all competitions.
Barcelona are also sweating on the availability of central midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered on September 24th. The Dutch 26-year-old has missed six matches for Xavi’s men and is a doubt for Saturday.
Center-back Jules Kounde has been carrying a knee injury since October 9th. The 24-year-old Frenchman has missed six matches and is on the cusp of a return; his fitness will be monitored ahead of the weekend action.
Striker Robert Lewandowski is also facing a rush against time to recover from the ankle injury he suffered on October 5th; he has been sidelined for three matches and will be hoping to recover in time to be in the squad.
Xabi will also be without right winger Raphinha (muscle injury) and right-back Sergi Roberto (muscle injury) ahead of the visit of Real Madrid.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is recovering from a torn cruciate ligament since August 10th.
Center-back Eder Militao is also in rehabilitation for a torn cruciate ligament, with the two players looking to be back around early March 2024.
Arda Guler is also nursing a muscle injury. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has missed eight matches for Real Madrid and is set to miss the trip to Barcelona.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona
M. ter Stegen; J. Cancelo, R. Araujo, I. Martinez, M. Alonso; F. Lopez, O. Romeu. i. Gundogan; L. Yamal, F. Torres, J. Felix
Real Madrid
K. Arrizabalaga; F. Garcia, Nacho, A. Rudiger, D. Carvajal; L. Modric, E. Camavinga, F. Valverde; J. Bellingham; V. Junior, Rodrygo
Prediction
Barcelona will look to dominate the ball and set the match’s tempo. The front-foot approach will include pressing and counter-pressing.
Real Madrid will be pragmatic in their approach with a medium press and an emphasis on quick breaks to create chances.
Barcelona will have the edge in this match; they will win and take the three points, leapfrogging Real Madrid on the table in the process.
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