El Clasico Preview: FC Barcelona

 EL CLASICO PREVIEW: FC BARCELONA

-Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: edailysports.com

Barcelona come into El Clasico having seen a recent upturn in form, beating Valencia 3-1, and notching their first win the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv. Barca fans will be hopeful, but not optimistic, as Ronald Araujo and Pedri are expected to stay injured. However, the returns of Ansu Fati and Sergio Aguero will certainly buoy spirits.

Barca Record (Last 5 matches): WWLLW

Barca Injured: Martin Braithwaite (Knee), Ousmane Dembele (Hamstring), Pedri (Muscle injury), Ronald Araujo (Hamstring).

EXPECTED LINEUP:

Expected Formation: 4-3-3

1.     GOALKEEPER

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen will start in goal for the Blaugrana, aware that he might have a busy job ahead of him. He will be key to Barca’s defense, and his distribution from the back will have to be top-notch.

2.     DEFENSE

Barca are expected to play with their traditional back-4. Gerard Pique will partner Eric Garcia in the center of defense after an excellent outing in the Champions League. Sergi Roberto is expected to start at right-back, as he did in Barcelona’s victory over Valencia. Jordi Alba will start at left-back, hoping to continue his excellent form since returning from injury.

3.     MIDFIELD

Barca will most likely start with 3 midfielders. Sergio Busquets will occupy his role as the sole pivot in defensive midfield, and will have an essential part to play. Frenkie De Jong and young Gavi will start as Barca’s two advanced midfielders, looking to continue their good run in the biggest game in the world.

4.     ATTACK

Sergiño Dest has been a revelation on the right flank, and will continue there, hoping to cause trouble for the Real Madrid back-line. Memphis Depay will look to continue his excellent form in La Liga in the forward line, looking to create scoring chances with his trickery. Teenage sensation Ansu Fati will start on the left flank, having scored in his first start in La Liga in a year. Having been rested in the midweek game, he will be fresh, and much of Barca’s attacking play will revolve around him.

KEY AREA:

The key area for Barcelona will be their defense, which has faltered every time it has come up against any kind of pace. The expected absence of Ronald Araujo will further increase Koeman’s problems. Barca’s defense will have to play out of their skins if they are to hold back Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema, who are in excellent form.

PREDICTION:

Barca 1-2 Real Madrid

 

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