Camavinga, Huijsen to start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against FC Barcelona
The most prestigious fixture in European football is upon us as Real Madrid step into Camp Nou to face an FC Barcelona side in red-hot form.
Even though the odds are not in Madrid’s favour (1 win in the last 7), they are riding high on confidence, and the team seems to be peaking at the right time.
Jose Mourinho will have a selection headache while choosing the defensive pairing and the perfect pivot to trouble the Blaugrana.
That being said, here is how Real Madrid is expected to line up against FC Barcelona.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup against FC Barcelona
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian has turned out to be the most important player in recent times for the Los Blancos and has stepped up on multiple occasions. Against a strong Barcelona attack, he will be tested tonight.
RB: Fede Valverde
This experiment has worked wonders so far, as seen in the second half against Roma, and in the next two matches (Sevilla and RB Leipzig). So why fix something that’s not broken?
CB: Ibrahima Konate
Jose Mourinho seemed to have chosen Konate as one of the CB’s on the night, thanks to his solid performances so far against formidable attacks, although his test tonight will be the toughest of the season.
CB: Dean Huijsen
Even though he tends to make mistakes in big matches, Huijsen’s height makes him a threat on set pieces, which Real Madrid feast on and where Barcelona have been weak.
LB: Marc Cucurella
A rather average start to his stint as a Madrid player, but he has shown shades of what he can do. Cucurella shall be tasked with marking Lamine Yamal, a player who has been a major thorn in Real Madrid’s side.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga
After a disappointing last season, Camavinga has found confidence and looks to be a much better player. The international break with Zidane at the helm may have helped his case.
CM: Bernardo Silva
The veteran Spaniard’s experience has provided a sense of calmness in Real Madrid’s midfield after Mourinho tried multiple pivot combinations. In a game that guarantees goals and where each pass is important, his presence will do the Los Blancos a world of good.
RW: Arda Guler
2 goals and as many assists in the last match are evidence that the Turkish man is going through a purple patch and will look to extend it against Madrid’s biggest rivals.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
The Englishman enjoys the big game pressure and has turned up multiple times in the past for Real Madrid against FC Barcelona. Whenever he scores in an El Clasico, Los Blancos seem to be on the winning end.
LW: Yan Diomande
Red-hot form. Oozing with confidence. First El Clasico of his career? Vinicius’ absence has propelled Diomande into the starting lineup, and the youngster has made the most of it.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
Even though he has scored 9 goals in 9 La Liga matches this season, the French striker has also missed 12 big chances. Hence, Mbappe will have to take his chances; otherwise, it can prove to be costly.
