How will Barcelona line up against Real Madrid?

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It’s Clasico time!

Barcelona and Real Madrid renew hostilities on Saturday in La Liga at the Camp Nou in the first Clasico of the season.

Both teams head into the match after suffering surprise defeats last time out in the league. Barca lost 1-0 at Getafe, while Real Madrid were stunned 1-0 at home by newly-promoted Cadiz.

Los Blancos also lost in the Champions League in midweek, meaning Barcelona can make it three defeats in a row with victory on Saturday.

Let’s see how they might lineup:

Defence

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The only question mark in defence seems to be at left-back. Jordi Alba was back training on Thursday and could return, although it seems more likely he’ll be on the bench.

Sergino Dest has replaced Alba so far and should continue if he doesn’t make it, although Junior Firpo is fit again and was a substitute against Ferencvaros.

Elsewhere, the defence should remain the same with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet at center-back and Sergi Roberto continuing on the right.

Midfield

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Miralem Pjanic enjoyed his first Barcelona start in midweek in the Champions League but is expected to drop back down to the bench for the visit of Los Blancos.

Sergio Busquets should be back after a rest and will partner Frenkie de Jong once again.

Attack

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The big question in attack is whether Antoine Griezmann will return to the starting XI. Barca scored five without Griezmann against Ferencvaros and looked more fluid.

Francisco Trincao and Ousmane Dembele are serious contenders to replace the Frenchman on the right for Barcelona if Koeman does decide to keep his No. 7 on the bench.

Lionel Messi will lead the team out again, while it would be a surprise if Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati weren’t in from the start.

Possible XI: Neto; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Dest; Busquets, De Jong; Dembele, Coutinho, Ansu, Messi.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Real Madrid? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and lineups in the comments below!

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