EL Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Team news, injuries, possible lineups
Barcelona will today evening take on Real Madrid in the EL Clasico fixture at the Camp Nou in a La Liga match.
Barcelona head to the game after defeating Inter Milan 2-0 on Wednesday night in the Champions League fixture.
Saturday’s clash will be the 239th between the two sides, with Madrid winning 95 of those to Barcelona’s 93.
Barcelona coach, Ernesto Valverde will be without captain Lionel Messi after the Argentine international sustained a hamstring injury against Sevilla last weekend in the La Liga.
Striker, Luiz Suarez is expected to lead the attack line for the hosts and will be assisted by Coutinho and Rafinnha.
Midfielders, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic are expected to hold the midfield position for Valverde’s side, while Sergi Roberto will start at right-back.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid head to the game following a 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League fixture on Tuesday.
Defender, Dani Carvajal is carrying a calf injury, while vice-captain Marcelo, who scored for Madrid in their last two outings, is not fully fit.
Nacho is, therefore, on standby, and Alvaro Odriozola is a more-than-capable replacement, but Marcelo will be given every chance to prove his fitness.
The likes of Isco, Benzema, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio are the more likely candidates to start at the attack line for the visitors.
Barcelona’s potential starting XI: Ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Roberto; Arthur, Busquets, Rakitic; Coutinho, Suarez, Rafinha
Real Madrid’s potential starting XI: Courtois; Marcelo, Varane, Ramos, Nacho; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Bale.
The kick-off time for the match is 4:15pm.
