FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The biggest football calendar match 'El Clásico' takes place this weekend

FC Barcelona head into weekend football after a 2-1 UEFA Champions League winning bout against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Under Xavi, the Blaugranas have performed without getting pinned even once this entire season. And remain the only side yet to see defeat as they invite none other than Real Madrid for the El Clásico.

The visitors currently lead the Spanish top division by edging Girona on goal difference. In LaLiga, Real Madrid boasts the best defensive record for the 2023-24 season after 10 games completed of schedule. With Barcelona chasing them, Los Blancos will want to give the first blow before they meet again for the reverse fixture in April 2024.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 3:15 PM UK (7:45 PM IST)

Location: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

Form

Barcelona (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-W

Real Madrid (in all competitions): W-D-W-W-W

Players to Watch

João Cancelo (Barcelona)

This September FC Barcelona convinced Manchester City to let the full-back join them on a season-long loan. And with Pep Guardiola giving the green signal, João Cancelo arrived. Having made 7 LaLiga appearances, Cancelo has scored twice while also assisting his mates once. This weekend his major task will be to keep Vinicius Junior quiet. Cancelo should be handed the right to start in this one.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

The England international has been phenomenal since his debut. Real Madrid handed the midfielder a six-year contract and an initial £88.5 million fee to Borussia Dortmund. Aged just 20, Jude Bellingham is ripping apart oppositions at will. In 9 league games, 8 goals and 2 assists. In 3 UCL outings, 3 goals and an assist. This is the best time for Bellingham to say: "I have arrived."

Match Facts

• Both teams have scored 20 plus goals having played 10 LaLiga games
• Real Madrid boast the best defensive record. Just conceded 7 goals
• Barcelona are the only side yet to witness defeat in LaLiga 2023-24

Injury & Team News

Not a good sight for Xavi and FC Barcelona. Three key players - Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto and Pedri, are sidelined as the first El Clasico kicks off this weekend. Raphinha seemingly has recovered from the hamstring issue as he was seen training with the team for El Clásico. The doubts -  Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski.

Los Blancos have a better injury status. Although goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is out for the long term, they have Kepa Arrizabalaga doing fairly well. Eder Militao will the be main miss as the defender is out with a knee problem. Will Carlo Ancelotti use recovered Arda Guler in this big game? Only time will tell.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 285

Barcelona wins – 118

Real Madrid wins – 105

Draws – 62

Predicted Lineup

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-3-3):

ter Stegen (GK); Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Felix

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-1-2):

Kepa (GK); Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

Match Prediction for FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

The last time Barcelona and Real Madrid met was in a July friendly held in AT&T Stadium, USA. The game ended 3-0 in favour of Barca. Although things have changed, Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembélé started that tie. With Dembélé leaving for PSG and Lewandowski a major doubt, results should be closer than one expects.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid

Telecast for FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

India – JioCinema, Sports 18

UK – Viaplay, LaLigaTV

US –  ESPN+, ESPN, ESPN Deportes

Nigeria – SuperSport 7, Canal +Sport

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