Barcelona hosts Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, with El Clasico setting itself to be one of the most dramatic in years with both sides locking horns at the top of the table on equal points.
Barcelona were held to a draw [2-2] at Anoeta by a determined Real Sociedad side on Saturday and gave Real Madrid the perfect opportunity to lead the La Liga table ahead of their Wednesday’s clash.
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Los Blancos could not clinch this chance but salvaged a draw at Mestalla on Sunday, thanks to a late equalizer from Frenchman Karim Benzema that saw Valencia lose their 3 points in the nick of time.
Currently, the Catalan giants share the spot atop alongside rivals Real Madrid, with both teams level on 35 points after their recent draws from their respective fixtures. Wednesday’s clash at the Nou Camp will be the deciding match with both sides looking to dominate the other.
Both Ousmane Dembele and Arthur Melo will be out with injury, making room for a possible appearance from youngsters Carles Alena, Ansu Fati, Carles Perez and Riqui Puig.
Here is a look at how Valverde’s side could line up against the Galacticos,
Expected Starting XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Right-back: Sergio Roberto
Centre-back (R): Gerard Pique
Centre-back (L): Samuel Umtiti
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Central midfielder (R): Ivan Rakitic
Defensive midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Central midfielder (L): Frenkie de Jong
Right-winger: Lionel Messi
Center-forward: Luis Suárez
Left-winger: Antonie Greizmann
Marc-Andre ter Stegan is going to be back with a vengeance after many report that a mistake by the usually excellent goalkeeper gifted Real Sociedad an equalizer in the thriller at Anoeta. The German international has a critical role between the posts against Madrid, especially looking to stop in-form Benzema from scoring another goal this season.
Jordi Alba had returned from injury against Sociedad but did not look 100 percent. There is no doubt that the Spaniard will start this match but perhaps it should be asked if Nelson Semedo could be a better option. Roberto, however, will most likely remain at the right-back position.
Clement Lenglet had an underwhelming performance at Anoeta and this could potentially open the spot for his club and country teammate Samuel Umtiti. Valverde has praised the French international since his return from his knee injury and would be joining Gerard Pique in central defense.
Sergio Busquets was disappointing against Sociedad but is expected to start as Valverde looks to control the game on possession. Ivan Rakitic outshined the Spaniard at Reale Arena and will be joined by Frenkie de Jong to help the Barca attack upfield.
Antoine Greizmann is finally getting in the mood at Barcelona and fans around the world are enjoying the linkup between the attacking trio. Luis Suarez will look to continue his goal-scoring form while all eyes will be on Argentine Lionel Messi to show a little bit of his magic. Youngsters Ansu Fati and Carles Perez will be available as substitutes to showcase their talent.
Barca’s frontline have 33 goals between them (14 Messi, 12 Suarez and 7 Greizmann) this season and will look to add to that when they host Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.
What are your Predictions for El Clasico?