LaLiga 2022-23: Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup, Injury news, head-to-head, telecast

On Sunday, the Spotify Camp Nou will host a captivating LaLiga El Clasico as current leaders, Blaugrana, take on the challengers, Los Blancos.

After securing a victory against Athletic Club in their previous match, Barcelona are currently 9 points ahead in the LaLiga title race. In their upcoming match against Real Madrid, they will be looking to extend their lead to 12 points with another win. The team is likely to be highly motivated to maintain its winning streak and secure a victory against one of its biggest rivals.

Real Madrid has once again qualified for the quarter-finals in the Champions League, which is a testament to their strong performance in the competition. In the last encounter between Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga, which took place in October, Real Madrid emerged victorious. As they prepare for their upcoming match against Barcelona, they will be determined to repeat their success and reduce the gap between them and Barcelona to 6 points in the title race.

Kick-off:

Sunday, 19-03-2023; 8:00 pm (GMT)

Monday, 20-03-2023; 1:30 am (IST)

Barcelona form (all competition): W-W-W-L-L

Real Madrid form (all competition): W-W-D-L-D

Players to watch

Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski

With 15 goals under his belt, the striker currently holds the title of top scorer in LaLiga, in addition to 5 assists. Despite recently returning from injury, he is eager to resume his goal-scoring spree. His impressive performance of scoring 15 goals in his inaugural LaLiga season reaffirms his status as one of the world's best strikers. In the upcoming El Clasico, he will be keen to find the back of the net and add to his goal-scoring record.

Real Madrid: Karim Benzema

Scoring 11 goals in LaLiga this season, the Real Madrid captain also registered a goal in the second leg of the Round of 16 against Liverpool in the Champions League. Real Madrid is determined to secure a win in the upcoming Classico to remain in the title race, and for that, Benzema must deliver a top-notch performance. The outcome of this crucial match will heavily depend on Benzema's exceptional display for Real Madrid.

Match facts           

• Barcelona have lost five of their last six matches against Real Madrid in LaLiga.
• Real Madrid have won their last two visits to Camp Nou in LaLiga.
• Barcelona have not lost any of their 12 home games in LaLiga 2022/23 (W10 D2), their best unbeaten start at home at this stage of the season since 2019/20.

Injury and Team News

Xavi, the coach of Barcelona, will have to make do without the services of Pedri and Dembele, both of whom are still injured and unavailable for selection. However, the team will benefit from the return of Araujo to the defence after serving a one-match ban. Apart from these absences and returns, the rest of the squad is in good health and fit for selection.

With the exception of the injured David Alaba and Mendy, the coach of Los Blancos is expected to have a full and fit squad to choose from for their upcoming match on Sunday.

Head-to-head Stats

Matches - 185

Barcelona - 73

Real Madrid - 77

Draws - 35

Predicted Lineups

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3): 

Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; De Jong, Busquets, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Torres

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vini Junior

Match Prediction

The upcoming El Classico promises to be a fascinating and thrilling match, with the LaLiga title race hanging in the balance. Both teams will be determined to emerge victorious, with Barcelona potentially playing defensively, as they did in the first leg of the Copa del Rey. It is expected that both teams will score, with Real Madrid predicted to dominate the game, resulting in a close draw between the sides.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid

Telecast

India: Sports 18, Voot, and Jio Cinema

UK: LaLiga TV

USA: ESPN +

Nigeria: SuperSport