The biggest game of the season has arrived for Barcelona as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the third and final El Clásico of the campaign. With a win or a draw, Hansi Flick’s side can clinch back-to-back La Liga titles at Camp Nou against their fiercest rivals. Here's how we expect Barcelona to line up for Sunday's showdown.
After a full week of preparation, Flick appears to have settled on his preferred starting XI, so don't expect many changes from the team that defeated Osasuna last weekend. One likely adjustment comes at the back: Jules Kounde returns from suspension and is set to start at right-back, pushing Eric Garcia and Ronald Araujo to the bench. The rest of the defense remains intact, with Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín anchoring the center, and João Cancelo getting the nod over Alejandro Balde at left-back.
In midfield, Flick continues to trust the energetic and creative double pivot of Gavi and Pedri, meaning Frenkie de Jong will likely have to wait for his chance. Dani Olmo and Fermín López have rotated as the number 10 and left-wing options in recent weeks, and they’re expected to start again, with Raphinha not in the lineup.
On the right wing, Marcus Rashford has made decisive contributions off the bench in the last two games, outperforming Roony Bargdhji, so the Englishman is favored to start. The only real question mark is up front, where Robert Lewandowski is expected to get the nod over Ferran Torres to lead the attack.
Projected XI: Joan; Kounde, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Rashford, Olmo, Fermín; Lewandowski (4-2-3-1)
What do you think? How should Barcelona line up against Real Madrid? Share your thoughts, predictions, and preferred teams in the comments below!