EL CLÁSICO
Possible Barcelona lineup for El Clásico with just one doubt for Hansi Flick
The German coach appears set to go with the same starting eleven that dismantled Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek clash.
Few surprises are expected in the FC Barcelona starting XI for Saturday’s clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday (kick-off 3pm ET).
Coach Hansi Flick will apply the old ‘if it ain’t broke why fix it’ saying and is expected to repeat the same starting line-up from the one who so comprehensively beat Bayern Munich (4-1) last Wednesday in the Champions League.
The only small doubt that the German coach may have centres on his midfield and general, Dani Olmo would get the nod to accompany Marc Casadó and Pedri in the centre of the park. However, the former RB Leipzig man has just recovered from injury and faces competition from Fermín López who dazzled on Wednesday against the German champions with Fermín having a knack of showing up for games against Real Madrid having bagged two goals in his four matches against Los Blancos.
The rest of the starting eleven seems clear and there are unlikely to be any surprises with Iñaki Peña set to start in goal after his solid performance against Bayern, while Íñigo Martínez will continue to lead the defence, accompanied by Marc Cubarsí, with Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde on the wings.
The midfield will see Casadó and Pedri accompanied by either Fermín or Olmo with the attacking trident led by Robert Lewandowski with the Polish striker set to be augmented on the wings by Raphinha and Yamal.
Barça absentees
Flick will still be without Eric García, who is still not in full training after struggling with a niggle during the warm-up ahead of Sunday’s game against Sevilla. Ferran Torres, Ronald Aráujo, Andreas Christensen, Ter Stegen and Marc Bernal will also be absent, all injured.
Barça possible XI
Peña, Balde, Cubarsí, Martinez, Kounde, Gavi, Casadó, Fermin/Olmo, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski.