Barcelona predicted XI vs Real Madrid: De Jong starts, €50m forward to return as well | OneFootball

A massive El Clasico awaits FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu, and La Blaugrana will look to go out for the victory. However, unlike last season, the Catalan giants will likely have a much harder time beating Los Blancos in this fixture.

After all, Xabi Alonso’s team is in great form right now and Barça is still figuring things out with various key players injured as well. Still, no El Clasico is ever won on paper, and Barcelona should look to aim for a win no matter what.

With the players at his disposal currently, here is how Hansi Flick’s side could line up for this game.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

Not exactly at the level of Joan Garcia in terms of his ability right now but Wojciech Szczesny is Barça’s best bet for this game. Hopefully the Polish goalkeeper can keep the opposition out,

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The French defender had some fitness issues ahead of the game but they seem to have been cleared up. If he is fully fit, he seems to be the likely option to start at the back.

Centre-back: Eric Garcia

There is no denying Eric Garcia’s commitment and intensity within this squad, and maybe those things will factor in if he ends up starting. The Spaniard could cause issues for Real Madrid in this game for sure.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

Despite some errors here and there, Pau Cubarsi’s place in this team remains a guarantee. The Spaniard has the ability to pick out any kind of pass, and that is exactly what Barça will be looking to get out from him.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

With the electric full-back fit and available, Barça should be hopeful about the options that he can provide on the flanks against Los Blancos.

A proper orchestrator in the midfield, Frenkie de Jong’s presence and positioning always help Barça out in tough positions. Starting him remains a typical guarantee for Hansi Flick’s team.

Words simply cannot do justice to the magic that Pedri can produce on the field. With him there, Barça can rest assured that the Spaniard will make the right decisions at the right time.

A lot of controversy and hype has been created surrounding this fixture due to Lamine Yamal’s recent words. However, if there is one player on the planet who knows how to deal with excessive amounts of pressure and backlash, it’s the young winger.

Having scored a hattrick in his last game, Fermin Lopez must be brimming with confidence right now. That is exactly the kind of clinical player Barcelona need in the final third, and he can offer lethal solutions over there.

A man in form, Marcus Rashford has been finding the net quite a lot recently. Fortunately for La Blaugrana, the English forward can offer a lot to the team and could be a great asset against Los Blancos.