PREVIEW: Real Madrid host Barcelona in a six-pointer at the top of La Liga | OneFootball

The stakes have rarely been higher for a match-up between Real Madrid and Barcelona, with the two sides occupying the top two spots of La Liga.

Xabi Alonso’s side are two points ahead of their rivals, having only stumbled once in a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, but Barcelona will look to reclaim first place in what could be their fifth consecutive classic victory.

The Blaugrana were flawless in last year’s encounters, beating Real Madrid in both league games, the Supercup, and even the Copa del Rey final.

Los Blancos, meanwhile, last won El Clásico a season ago, when Jude Bellingham’s stoppage-time winner decided the tie.

The Englishman was also the key figure in Real Madrid’s midweek triumph in the Champions League, as his goal helped Los Blancos to a 1-0 victory over Juventus.

As so often, Kylian Mbappe is the player to watch in Sunday’s match, with 10 goals and two assists in the league to his credit already. Furthermore, the 26-year-old has 11 career goals against the Catalans.

It will look to capitalise on Barcelona’s high line as he continues to search for his first El Clásico win since joining Real Madrid last summer.

The hosts receive more good news from the medical staff as they welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen back into the lineup.

Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are the only absentees, so Alonso now has a wider choice in the back line.

Nevertheless, the Spanish manager is expected to stick with Federico Valverde and Raul Asencio for the time being.

On the contrary, Barcelona has faced several injury blows ahead of Sunday. Fifth-place Ballon d’Or finisher Raphinha is the most notable absentee in the lineup as he continues to nurse his hamstring injury.

Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo will also miss the game, while Jules Kounde is in doubt after suffering a knock earlier in the week.

Hansi Flick himself will also be absent from the dugout after getting a red card in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Girona last weekend.

However, his team prepares for the El Clasico in good form following a 6-1 demolition of Olympiacos in the UCL in a game that saw Fermin Lopez register his first Barcelona hat-trick.

The Spaniard is likely to start on Saturday alongside Marcus Rashford, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres, all of whom have been in great form over the past few weeks.

Barcelona, who currently lead La Liga for goals scored with 24, will look to extend that tally in the clash of the two giants.

The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 in the UK, with a kick-off time of 15:15 [GMT].