What is Barcelona’s possible starting XI for today’s Clásico against Real Madrid?

Barcelona head into El Clásico on a good run of results - they remain unbeaten this season - but with a number of injury issues to contend with. Sergi Roberto, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are all definitely out of the game, while there are question marks over the involvement of others.

Watch a live stream of El Clásico on fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

Lewandowksi to return for Clásico?

Raphinha and Jules Koundé have both recovered sufficiently to make Barça’s matchday squad, but doubts remain over their ability to start at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Meanwhile, striker Robert Lewandowski looks like he may well return from the ankle injury that has kept him out of the defending champions’ last three games - but AS understands that the Pole may need a pain-killing injection to play. João Félix is also in the frame to start against Madrid, despite the knock he picked up in Wednesday’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Cancelo to push forward from right-back?

The most significant tactical changes to the Barça side look like being on the flanks. After impressing for the Catalans, youth product Fermin López is in contention to come into the team on the right, while João Cancelo is being tipped to start on the left wing.

The Portuguese’s expected departure from his regular right-back slot would allow Barça boss Xavi Hernández to repeat his tried and tested strategy of fielding Ronald Araújo on the right of defence to shackle Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior. In central midfield, Gavi and Ilkay Gündogan appear certain to start.

In central defence, Andreas Christensen and Íñigo Martínez are in line to be Barça’s pairing. Since coming into the team, summer signing Martínez has played well, leading Xavi to back the Basque to “bring a lot” to the Catalans. Barça’s back four for El Clásico is to be completed by left-back Alejandro Balde.

Barcelona’s possible line-up to face Real Madrid:

Ter Stegen, Araújo, Martínez, Christensen, Balde, Fermín, Gavi, Gündogan, João Cancelo, João Félix, and Lewandowski.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: when, where, how to watch?

Barcelona host Real Madrid on matchday 11 of the 2023/24 LaLiga season today, Saturday 28 October 2023. Kick-off at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys is scheduled for 10:15am ET/7:15am PT.

ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes have the US broadcast rights to El Clásico, which you can watch on the online platform fuboTV.

Watch a live stream of El Clásico on fuboTV, which offers a free trial.

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