Lunin, Tchouameni to start: Real Madrid predicted lineup against FC Barcelona | OneFootball

Two of the biggest rivals in football are set to take on each other as Real Madrid play host to FC Barcelona.

It was a welcome surprise to see Brahim Díaz in the squad and the Moroccan has the capability to fill the void left by Rodrygo.

Thibaut Courtois is also ruled out of this fixture, which would mean Andriy Lunin receiving a start for this fixture.

Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against FC Barcelona.

The Ukrainian will be making his third start of the season. He was sensational last season, leading to a nomination for the Yashin Trophy.  This also happens to be his third appearance against Barcelona, winning both the previous games – 4-1 and 3-2. It will not be easy for him tomorrow night but the 25-year old would love to step up to the occasion.

He will make yet another start despite not having great showings in the earlier games, although he scored against Borussia Dortmund. Ironically, the Spaniard was the man of the match when Madrid beat Barca 3-2 at the Bernabeu last season. He would be hoping to replicate that performance.

CB: Eder Militao

It will be a real test for the him as he comes up against a Blaugrana attack which has been firing on all cylinders. May also play a part in nullifying fellow Brazilian counterpart, Raphinha who has been in top form this season.

The German will have a tough task at his hand, trying to negate Lamine Yamal and also make sure Robert Lewandowski does not sneak past him. But an El Clasico is a game where such world class players step up and it is his time to do so.

LB: Ferland Mendy

He will not offer much on the attacking front but will obviously do his job defensively. However, the Frenchman has not been in good form this season. But it’s a new day and he will hope to turn the tides. Last season, did well to keep Lamine Yamal silent at the Bernabeu.

He has to be in top notch form against a well-drilled Barcelona midfield. This particular Frenchman has the most important job on his hand tomorrow and this is not only to act as the third centre back on transitions, but cut out passes from Barcelona’s midfield and make it difficult for them to even breathe.

The Uruguayan has been an undisputed starter and a silent workhorse in this side. With Vazquez being vulnerable, he will have help the Real Madrid fullback out in dealing with Alejandro Balde and the in-form Raphinha. Expect him to have a crack at goal from a distance too.

The veteran midfielder has rolled back his prime years and really orchestrated the midfield in the past few games. With Barcelona’s high defensive line, the Croatian can make most of that opportunity and play a long ball or make a line breaking pass for Vinicius or Mbappe to latch onto. Potentially his last Clasico at home, and the maestro would hope to weave his magic yet again.

It will not be a surprise if Barcelona come out with a plan particularly for him only. Mainly because the Englishman has been excellent against them, with 3 goals and 1 assist in 3 Clasico’s so far. He has not scored a goal so far this season and what better way than to open your account against your club’s arch-rivals.

The World Cup winner has looked in good nick since the international break and now, he braces himself for his first Clasico. But, the Frenchman happens to be quite familiar with tomorrow’s opponents, scoring 6 goals in 4 games against them – including a hattrick at the Camp Nou.

He has netted the ball 8 times in 13 matches but we are yet to see his best performance. Who knows, the start striker may be saving his best for this moment.

Fresh off one of the greatest Champions League performances ever, Vini prepares for another challenge. Usually he would come up against Ronald Araujo but tomorrow he will come up against Jules Kounde, who has been in solid nick this season.

After Valencia, Vinicius enjoys scoring the most against Barcelona, having found the back of the net 7 times in 17 games, along with 4 assists – including a first half hattrick in the Super Cup final earlier this year. It is time for the big game player to step up again and put on a show at the Bernabeu.