Bernal, Lewandowski to start – How Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Even though it is only a pre-season friendly, the contest between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid generates great excitement and anticipation.

The two behemoths of La Liga are all set to square off later tonight on their pre-season tour of the US, with the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey providing the setting for the occasion.

Barcelona began their tour with an impressive showing against Manchester City, playing out a 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout.

And, in what will be new manager Hansi Flick’s first El Clasico in charge, the idea will be to get the better of the Spanish champions, who lost to AC Milan earlier in the week, while continuing to assimilate the German tactician’s ways and methods.

The good news for Barcelona is that some of the veteran internationals like Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Andreas Christensen will be available for selection, having trained sufficiently with the team post their vacations.

As such, here’s how Flick could set his Barcelona team up tonight against Carlo Ancelotti’s men in New Jersey.

Defence

Even though Inaki Pena and Ander Astralaga performed well during their time on the pitch against Manchester City, first-choice goalkeeper and club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to return between the sticks against Real Madrid.

Hector Fort remains the obvious choice to start at right-back considering Jules Kounde has only recently returned to training and Julian Araujo came back from a physical issue not very long ago.

On the opposite side, Alejandro Balde could get a look-in from kick-off, although Gerard Martin, who impressed against Man City, should get some minutes in the latter stages.

Clement Lenglet has been impressive in pre-season thus far and should feature against Real Madrid despite having no future at the club, with Inigo Martinez pairing up with him.

Midfield

Casado has been impressive in pre-season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Given the number of injuries, Flick does not have a plethora of senior options in midfield, with the number further cut down by Oriol Romeu’s imminent departure to Girona.

While Ilkay Gundogan is available, the manager is likely to trust the young duo of Marc Casado and Marc Bernal, who have excelled in pre-season, to form the double pivot for Barcelona against Real Madrid.

It will be a huge test for the La Masia duo, who showed they were more than capable of handling themselves against Manchester City.

Slotting in as the No. 10 for Barça should be in-form man Pablo Torre, who has scored two in two so far in pre-season friendlies.

Attack

Pau Victor made his unofficial first-team debut for Barcelona against Man City and put in a MotM display with a goal, starting as a No. 9.

However, the 22-year-old could move out to the left flank tonight against Real Madrid, paving the way for Robert Lewandowski to feature from kick-off.

With Lamine Yamal not part of the tour and Raphinha returning recently, Flick could continue with Julian Araujo as a makeshift right-winger once again, although he will move things around later in the game.