A victory over Real Madrid is the one thing that could fully help FC Barcelona bounce back. The loss to Paris Saint-Germain, a self-sabotage to a great extent, was primarily the reason La Blaugrana are currently in a bad headspace. However, El Clasico has almost always provided a chance of redemption for Barcelona.
This time around they will have extra motivation to succeed. With the La Liga encounter between the two Spanish giants set to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona will want to go into Madrid and prove a point about why they still deserve to have something to fight for.
Here is how Xavi’s Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid.
Expected Line-up:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
The German goalkeeper and Barcelona captain, despite his best efforts, was left handicapped by his team against PSG. However, he will have them all fit to take on Real Madrid in the upcoming El Clasico and will hope to keep the Barcelona goal much more secure.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
Typically, it is Ronald Araujo who takes on the right-back role in El Clasico. However, with Vinicius Jr playing more centrally these days, Xavi could end up deploying Jules Kounde as the primary right-back, a position where he has performed exceptionally well recently, even against the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
Centre-back: Ronald Araujo
With his main task in almost every El Clasico being the containment of Vinicius Jr, it seems that Ronald Araujo may have to play more centrally this time around. The Uruguayan made a massive error against PSG that arguably cost Barcelona the game, but he can still make amends against Real Madrid.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
The young central defender was relentless against PSG, and even though his team lost, the 17-year-old continues to astound those who watch him with his maturity and quality. With Real Madrid being his next opponent, he has already stated how committed he is to performing in this clash.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
Despite his experience, Joao Cancelo made some uncharacteristic blunders against PSG. Now, however, he has a chance to redeem himself against the likes of Real Madrid. In this clash, Barcelona need their stars to show up, and Cancelo needs to do just that.
CDM: Andreas Christensen
Suspended against PSG, his absence was clearly felt in the lack of structure that Barcelona had. However, he should be available once again for La Blaugrana, and it should give them a much-needed boost in a position where they desperately need it.
CM: Pedri
The magician in the midfield of Barcelona has a good amount of experience playing Real Madrid. Despite his age, his creative and possessional sense exceeds that of even the most seasoned of veterans, and that is exactly why he is an essential piece of the puzzle for Barcelona.
CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Previously, Ilkay Gundogan was the only Barcelona player to score at the Montjuic against Real Madrid in the first Clasico. However, that defeat left a sour taste in his mouth, and this could be as good a chance as anything to finally help overcome the feeling of that loss and potentially beat Real Madrid.
Right-winger: Lamine Yamal
In terms of his performance, the young Barcelona winger was phenomenal in the recent clash against PSG. Single-handedly creating many dangerous chances for Barcelona, he will want to keep that confidence up for a game in which he will definitely need to deliver more of the same against Real Madrid.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
From among the three starters against PSG, Robert Lewandowski was by far the most frustrating. However, he must now put those woes behind him and deliver for Barcelona on the big stage against Los Blancos to ensure that they progress well and finish the season on a better note.
Left-winger: Raphinha
The Brazilian was undoubtedly the man of the moment in both legs against PSG. Scoring three goals against the Parisians within the two legs, he was consistently thwarting and causing problems for them. With this new-found confidence, Raphinha seems to be in the form of his life and should be a guarantee against Real Madrid.
