Predicted lineup of Real Madrid against Barcelona: La Liga

The only thing stopping Real Madrid from continuing their 43-game unbeaten streak in La Liga is Barcelona.

There's a lot more at stake in the first El Clásico of the 2024-25 season than just bragging rights. Real Madrid are three points behind Barcelona and could move to the top of the La Liga standings with a win over their biggest rivals. However, even with Kylian Mbappé in the side, defeating the Catalans is never easy, especially given Los Blancos' recent injuries.

Both Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois suffered hamstring injuries against Borussia Dortmund on October 22, forcing Carlo Ancelotti to be without two of his regular players. Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are also still out. Now Ancelotti must decide what formation and lineup to play against the team that has suffered just one La Liga defeat in 10 games.

This is what Real Madrid's team could look like against Hansi Flick's men on Saturday, October 26th.

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TK: Andriy Lunin—The Ukrainian international is back between the posts for Los Blancos while Courtois recovers from his injury.

RB: Lucas Vazquez—The Spaniard needs to recover from his poor defensive performance against Dortmund if he wants to silence Raphinha.

CB: Eder Militão—The Brazil international will have to suspend La Liga's top scorer Robert Lewandowski if Real Madrid want to collect three points.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger—In addition to his defensive duties, Rüdiger will be Real Madrid's biggest target from set pieces. The central defender has already scored two goals this season.

LB: Ferland Mendy—The left-back faces his toughest task of the season so far when he faces Lamine Yamal, who has five goals and seven assists across all competitions.

RM: Federico Valverde– A 15th consecutive start for Valverde is in sight. The midfielder will have to do his best to help Los Blancos control the pace of the game.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni– After only playing five minutes against Dortmund, one can expect Tchouaméni to be back in the team.

CM: Luka Modrić– The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner could get the nod in Ancelotti's 4-4-2. Eduardo Camavinga is also an option for the coach.

LM: Jude Bellingham– Bellingham, the hero of both La Liga games against Barcelona last season, is yet to score for Real Madrid in the 2024-25 season.

ST: Kylian Mbappe—The Frenchman could score his ninth goal for Real Madrid in his first El Clásico.

ST: Vinicius Junior– The Brazilian has just scored a hat-trick in the Champions League and will be looking to impress ahead of the Ballon d'Or ceremony on October 28.

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