Fermin, Gavi start in a 4-3-3: How Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid

Barcelona will lock horns with arch-rivals Real Madrid later today at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the first El Clasico of the 2023/24 season.

It will be a special match between the two biggest teams in Europe and one that will have a major say in the La Liga title race, considering that they are separated by just a solitary point in the standings.

Leading up to the game, all the talk has been about Barcelona’s injuries and whether the players will return for today’s clash or not.

Even though five injured stars trained with the group yesterday, there is still not much clarity about their availability as Xavi Hernandez has yet to release the squad list for the Real Madrid clash.

So, it is tricky to predict what kind of lineup the Barcelona manager might field against Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Based on reports, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha appear set to receive the green light while Frenkie de Jong also has a chance, but Pedri and Jules Kounde seem to be ruled out.

With that information, here’s how Barcelona could line up against Real Madrid later today at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Starters

There are no doubts about who will start for Barcelona in goal, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen being the undisputed No. 1.

Ronald Araujo has tasted great success at right-back in recent El Clasico encounters and could find himself starting in that position later today. It would see Andreas Christensen pair up with Inigo Martinez at centre-back while Alejandro Balde slots in at left-back.

Moving into the centre of the park, things get interesting as Xavi has several tactical options, irrespective of Frenkie de Jong’s availability. Even if the Dutchman pushes himself to play, it will likely be only from the bench.

Gavi is certain to return to the fold after missing the midweek game against Shakhtar Donetsk due to suspension. But the youngster will need to be careful as a booking today will see him get suspended for the next match vs Real Sociedad.

Fermin Lopez has been in fine form in recent matches and as such Xavi is set to back the 20-year-old La Masia graduate for the big game against Real Madrid today. This would see Ilkay Gundogan line up as the pivot midfielder, with Oriol Romeu dropping to the bench.

Even though Robert Lewandowski is understood to be available for the game, risking him from the start could prove to be costly in the long run. As such, Ferran Torres should start as the centre-forward for Barcelona again. Joao Felix should retain his place on the left flank.

Joao Cancelo could find himself slotting in an advanced position on the right wing today in what would be an interesting move as he can cause problems for Real Madrid in attack and reinforce the midfield in the defensive phases.

Felix · Ferran· Cancelo
Fermin · Gundogan · Gavi
Balde · Inigo · Christensen · Araujo
ter Stegen

Substitutes

Should Lewandowski and De Jong make the squad list, they are likely to get minutes off the bench, depending on the situation of the match. Lamine Yamal is a certainty to come on at some point during the game and could make an impact off the bench.

Marc Guiu has received minutes in each of the last two games Barça have played and could make his El Clasico debut today.