Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid: Lionel Messi starts, Antoine Griezmann on the bench
Midfield:
Left wing-back: Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba looks a man reborn this season. His defensive shortcomings made many people write him off but gold doesn’t lose its worth. The Spaniard has been in excellent form, especially in the second half of the season. Alba will be up against real Madrid’s makeshift right back Lucas Vazquez and will look to exploit the space.
Midfielder: Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets played 64 minutes against Valladolid and was ever reliable. The midfield battle between the two sides will be a close one and if the Blaugrana are to edge Madrid in the midfield battle, Busquets will need to have a top game.
With de Jong coming back in midfield, the 32-year-old will have a helping hand in stabilizing the midfield and dominating the middle.
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong
Ronald Koeman’s favourite, de Jong, is likely to return to the midfield and will be given the role of not only adding steel in the midfield but also make those accurately timed runs in the box when required. The freedom to surge forward has seen de Jong get six goals this season. The midfield duo of de Jong and Busquets is vital for Barcelona and their performance will be decisive in order to win.
Midfielder: Pedri
Barcelona’s crown jewel has a chance to make the biggest impact of the season against the fierce rivals Real Madrid. Pedri’s performances have been excellent so far and his development has been exponential in the first season at Camp Nou. Barcelona would also like to reward him for his string of outstanding performances. The Blaugrana are going to depend on him for the creativity and imagination from the midfield
Right wing-back: Sergino Dest
Sergino Dest’s resurgent performances since the turn of the year have caught the eye of many and it is increasingly making people believe in his flamboyant attacking abilities. Barca have struggled in the right-back department for years after Dani Alves but it finally appears that the quest for a stable, competent right-back has finally ended after Dest’srival.