The first Clasico of La Liga this season, on the 10th day of the Spanish championship, is already of crucial importance. Real Madrid, which has won eight matches out of nine thanks in particular to Kylian Mbappé's 10 goals, is leader with two points ahead of FC Barcelona, which recorded a first and heavy defeat three weeks ago in Seville (4-1). The Merengues are seeking a small lead at the top of the standings this Sunday at the Bernabéu (kick-off 4:15 p.m., live on beIN Sports 1).
Real has a small advantage because Xabi Alonso has almost his entire group at his disposal and will line up the same eleven (or almost) as during the success against Juventus (1-0), Wednesday in the Champions League. Franco Mastantuono should regain his place on the right wing at the expense of Brahim Diaz (aligned against the Bianconeri) in order to accompany Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius in the offensive sector. Antonio Rüdiger injured, Eder Militao will accompany Dean Huijsen in central hinge.
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Federico Valverde should continue his interim role as right-back despite the return to the squad of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who did not play against Juve. Arda Güler will therefore be associated with Aurélien Tchouaméni in the midfield, barring a surprise start from Eduardo Camavinga to form a 100% French pair. Ferland Mendy returned to the bench during the week. He left to take on the role of understudy to Alvaro Carreras from now on.
Barça with a Ferran Torres-Fermin Lopez duo
Barça, on the other hand, must deal with many absentees. Starting with several Blaugranas cracks, namely Gavi, Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. The Brazilian winger and the Polish veteran have been struck by a muscle injury and will miss two to three weeks of competition. And as a reminder, Joan Garcia, the new starting goalkeeper, is still unavailable, just like Marc-André ter Stegen, which makes Wojciech Szczesny number 1 for five matches.
As indicated by the Catalan press, Ferran Torres is operational and should play at the forefront of Hansi Flick's attack, with Fermin Lopez in number 10. Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford will be the dynamiters on the wings. A repositioning of Rashford in 9 would be a gamble on the part of the Catalan staff. Unless there is any surprise, Jules Koundé will hold his place on the right of the defense while the German coach should associate Eric Garcia with Pau Cubarsi at the expense of Ronald Araujo.
The probable composition of Real Madrid: Courtois – Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras – Tchouaméni, Güler – Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinicius – Mbappé.
The probable line-up of Barça: Szczesny – Koundé, Cubarsi, Garcia, Balde – Pedri, De Jong – Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Rashford – Ferran Torres.
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