The largest sport in European soccer returns on Sunday as Actual Madrid host Barcelona on the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga. 15 factors separate the 2 groups within the Spanish league, one of many widest variations within the trendy period, however there may be nonetheless loads at stake apart from bragging rights.
🥇 ℙ𝕌ℝ𝔼 𝔾𝕆𝕃𝔻 🥇
🌟 @vinijr 🆚 @Pedri… who’re you supporting in #ElClasico?
🔝 @paninicromos 🔝#AdrenalynXL | #PaniniLaLiga50Aniversario pic.twitter.com/vX3SBmKgDu
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) March 18, 2022
Los Blancos come into the match in nice type, having gained 5 matches on the trot in all competitions. This run features a 3-0 win in opposition to Mallorca final day out and a massively spectacular 3-1 win over PSG within the second leg of their Champions League tie final week.
Madrid are at present 10 factors clear on the prime of the desk and a win would all however guarantee a file thirty fifth league title.
Barcelona have additionally seen an outstanding reversal in type. They haven’t misplaced since January twentieth and have performed some scintillating soccer just lately in wins over Galatasaray within the Europa League and Osasuna in La Liga. The Blaugrana are at present third within the desk however Betis in fifth are simply two factors away and there may be a lot work to be completed within the race for Champions League soccer subsequent season.
Workforce Information
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has an almost absolutely match squad to select from however there are query marks over the health of key man Karim Benzema. The Frenchman picked up a knock in opposition to Mallorca and is a doubt. The one different absentee is Ferland Mendy who’s dominated out with an adductor harm.
Actual Madrid Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Rodrygo, Asensio, Vinicius Jr.
Barcelona have extra harm points which might be solely growing with Sergino Dest selecting up a hamstring downside on Thursday. He joins Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Samuel Umtiti on the sidelines. Alex Balde and Ez Abde is perhaps accessible once more after minor knocks conserving the pair out over the previous couple of video games.
MEDICAL NEWS | Assessments carried out this morning on @sergino_dest have proven that he has a left biceps femoris harm. He’s out and his restoration will decide his availability. pic.twitter.com/fcemL15Fl6
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2022
Barcelona Predicted Lineup: Ter Stegen; Alves, Araujo, Pique, Alba; de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Traore, Aubameyang, Torres
Recreation Changers
For Actual Madrid, the important thing man goes to be Luka Modric who was in scintillating type in his final begin, in opposition to PSG. The Croatian has ran the present for Madrid for years and is displaying no indicators of slowing down. In opposition to PSG he was omnipresent and omniscient, the second aim highlighting all his finest qualities.
👀 #ElClásico 👀 pic.twitter.com/UTX252kilX
— Actual Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 17, 2022
On Sunday he might be up in opposition to a youthful and energetic midfield that consists of Pedri and de Jong, each of whom are in distinctive type. Modric and his partners-in-crime, Kroos and Casemiro, could have their job reduce out.
Barcelona’s assault has been rejuvenated since January with the arrival of a very new front-three of Adama Traore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Ferran Torres. The previous-Man Metropolis winger began sluggish however has proven some actually vibrant indicators in latest weeks. Torres’ ending has not been the perfect however his skill to create possibilities and discover himself on the finish of possibilities may be very precious.
Ferran Torres has now been straight concerned in 9 objectives in 13 appearances for Barcelona:
◎ 5 objectives
◉ 4 assistsSettling in properly at Camp Nou. #UEL pic.twitter.com/afeVd73sTi
— Squawka (@Squawka) March 17, 2022
In opposition to Madrid, Torres might be up in opposition to Dani Carvajal who has not been in the perfect type. The Spanish winger can use his tempo and tactical nous to be the outlet Barcelona must carve Madrid open.
Predictions
On paper, Madrid are considerably the stronger facet with a set plan that has labored effectively for them this season however Barcelona’s progress can’t be underestimated. The house facet had virtually per week to get better and put together whereas Barcelona have a fast turn-around from their European adventures. It will likely be a detailed contest although and FootTheBall predicts Actual Madrid 2-2 Barcelona.
