Ancelotti To Ring In Changes? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Lineup To Face Barcelona

The football fanatics of Saudi Arabia are all set to witness the greatest rivalry on Sunday evening following Los Blancos’ commanding 3-0 win against Mallorca in the Super Cup semis. Real Madrid will clash heads with Barcelona as the latter already secured a berth by clinching a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in the other semi-final.

These two hotshots also locked horns in Riyadh a year ago. Thanks to Vinicius Jr’s stellar first-half hat-trick, the Whites grabbed an emphatic 4-1 win. However, it won’t be a stroll in the park for the Spanish giants considering the Catalans fight back under Hansi Flick. Although they are a work in progress, the gaffer from Germany depicted his tactical mastery by scripting a stupendous 4-0 triumph at Santiago Bernabeu earlier this campaign.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Lineup To Face Barcelona

Defence

Thibaut Courtois had a comfortable outing on Thursday night as he remained largely untested between the sticks. ‘El Classico’ would test his resolve, but the veteran Belgian must be charged up for yet another showdown.

Injuries to Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo decimated them defensively. Versatile Lucas Vazquez has slotted in as a makeshift fullback, but the Spaniard must uplift his game after a dreadful display in October. Left-back Ferland Mendy should be cautious against Lamine Yamal. Also, the Spanish giants would pray for Aurelien Tchouameni’s recovery who was forced to leave the pitch against Mallorca due to concussion.

Antonio Rudiger remains the only fit senior centre-back available for selection, and the young Raul Asencio would be on standby if Tchouameni fails the late fitness test before the weekend’s encounter. David Alaba won’t be risked from the start given his long injury lay-off.

Midfield

A viral illness ruled Luka Modric out against RCD Mallorca. While the Croatian great remains in contention for the Barcelona game, Carlo Ancelotti must stick to the winning set-up and rely on the ‘double pivot’ formed by Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. Modric, along with Dani Ceballos, could be deployed as ‘super subs’ at some point in the second half.

Jude Bellingham is enjoying a scintillating run since being shifted to his favourite ‘number 10’ spot. The Selecao pair Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo must continue as the wide attacking options ahead of Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz and fellow countryman Endrick.