El Clásico: Predicted Line-ups for Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Saturday marks the first Clásico of the 2014-15 campaign with the match perfectly set up to provide us with many moments of controversy, entertainment and downright footballing artistry. The main talking point prior to kick-off is just how FC Barcelona will fit the returning Luis Suarez into their starting line-up whilst the hosts Real Madrid will look to build on their emphatic victory over Liverpool at Anfield in the week.

Programming note: If you live in the United States, the game is being televised on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Español as well as being streamed live on DishWorld. If you don’t have a TV subscription to beIN SPORTS, you can watch Real Madrid versus Barcelona live on fuboTV for just $10 per month. The service streams the beIN broadcast in HD to your computer, tablet or smartphone. And set-up just takes minutes. Read our review of DishWorld. And sign up for DishWorld via their website.

Here are predicted line-ups for both teams ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

Real Madrid: 4-3-3

Carlo Ancelotti will in all likelihood stick with the 4-3-3 system which his Real Madrid side have used since last term. The double-pivot of Kroos and Modric will have an awful lot of pressure put upon them and it could well be a problem when Madrid are forced to defend a counter attack.

Rodriguez has come in for some criticism since his move to Madrid, but he has the faith of Ancelotti. And the Colombian’s performance against Liverpool on Wednesday was one right out of the top drawer. He is in great form heading into Saturday’s clash and will look to help Madrid overload when attacking Barcelona’s backline.

Sergio Ramos was today deemed fit enough to make his return. Whilst Raphael Varane has really impressed during Ramos’ absence, it is unlikely the Frenchman will retain his place. Pepe and Ramos have built up a notably chemistry whilst playing together, although both have dismal records when facing Lionel Messi. But then again, who doesn’t?

With Gareth Bale still injured, there is a big opportunity for Isco. After joining Madrid from Malaga last summer, much to the dismay of Manchester City, Isco has been on the periphery of Real’s success. Given the cut-throat nature of business at the Bernabeu, you often only get a handful of chances to impress and Isco simply must deliver in this period. He was excellent at Anfield with his high work-rate creating a lot of discomfort for the hosts as well as chances for Ronaldo and given Dani Alves’ horrendous spell of form heading into tomorrow, there is certainly a chance for Isco to illustrate his full capabilities on Saturday.

FC Barcelona: 4-3-3

I expect Barcelona to keep with the majority of the team that has worked for them this season. The burgeoning partnership between Neymar and Messi will be ably supported by Suarez who will take the place of Pedro, who has struggled in recent matches.

The midfield is difficult to call given how well Xavi performed against Eibar last weekend. However given Madrid’s energy in midfield with Modric and James Rodriguez, I feel Luis Enrique will opt for Ivan Rakitic for a more fitness based box-to-box presence in the midfield three.

One thing to note is that both Iniesta and Rakitic provide a forward threat at pace. Given the fact Toni Kroos, when isolated, can have real problems defending against a counter-attack, as we saw when Bayern Munich faced Madrid in last season’s Champions League semi-final, this could be an area of real joy for Barcelona on the attack.

The defense, with the addition of Jeremy Mathieu, now picks itself and the addition of a natural defender rather than a makeshift defensive midfielder filling in will be a huge plus when facing the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema and Isco.

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NOTE TO FOOTBALL FANS IN THE UK:

If you live in England or the United Kingdom, the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid match will not be shown live on TV or online. But you can watch it live online via fuboTV. More details below:

OR, you can use VyprVPN on a free 3-day trial:

After signing up for a VPN and setting your server to a USA location, sign up for the free 24-hour trial to fuboTV to watch the match.
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