It’s the first edition of El Clasico this season and the stakes are already high. Check out all our La Liga markets and odds before Barcelona take on Real Madrid.
Both sides come into this game in fine form with real Madrid topping the La Liga table level on points with Girona. Barcelona sit just one point behind the duo in third and boasting an unbeaten record.
Despite being undefeated in all competitions this season and having home advantage, Barcelona have cause for concern with their mounting injury list.
There are rumours coming out of the Barcelona camp that Robert Lewandowski might be included in the matchday squad ahead of schedule. The Polish striker is currently recovering from a grade two ankle sprain.
The injury crisis has gotten so bad for Barca that they had to turn to 17-year-old Marc Guiu for their winner against Athletic Bilbao.
Other notable injuries for Barcelona include: Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, Sergi Roberto and Jules Kounde.
Real Madrid have had their own injury issues with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao both nursing long term ACL tears.
The departure of Karim Benzema rocked the Bernabeu as the Ballon d’Or winner opted to ply his trade in Saudi Arabia.
Vinicius Jr has been trusted to take on the mantle as star attacker for Los Blancos. Jude Bellingham is quickly making a charge to be recognised as the focal point of this young Real Madrid side with his eight goals and two assists already this season.
The €100m signing will be the player to watch in this game, and for that reason we are tipping Bellingham to score anytime as our best bet for El Clasico.
Real Madrid edge this fixture in competitive matches with 102 wins to Barcelona’s 100. The remaining 52 games ending in a draw.
Including a pre-season friendly, Barcelona have won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs including this exact fixture last season. Unfortunately for Barca, neither goal scorer on that day will be playing this weekend.
Predicted Lineups:
Barcelona – Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Martinez, Araujo, Balde; Gundogan, Romeu, Gavi; Yamal, Torres, Felix
Real Madrid – Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga, Kroos, Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
