Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona, with Atlético de Madrid on the lookout for a result
The Clásico will be played for the first time at the Estadio Alfredo di Stéfano at Real Madrid CF's sports complex in Valdebebas.
A match that the three most successful Spanish teams are very evenly matched in the standings.
Atletico Madrid are on a downward trend after poor results in the last few rounds and a surprising reduction in their lead.
Real Madrid euphoric after their victory over Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-finals after a great match.
FC Barcelona in need of victories after their elimination in the Champions League, and next Saturday they will play the Cup final against Athletic Club de Bilbao.
Barcelona have Gerard Piqué back in the centre of defence. The defence was struggling at the back after their captain was injured and Umtiti does not seem to be in the right shape. Lenglet has not been able to get a regular starting place and Araújo, after some good games, was also injured. This led Ronald Koeman to put De Jong at centre-back and so far it is working.
In midfield Pedri has been a great contribution with his great vision and his good complementation with Leo Messi. Busquets is in charge of the midfield along with Mingueza. Dest and Jordi Alba are two wingers who play more in attack than defence.
The forward line has been very clear for several games now: Messi, Griezmann and Dembélé.
We don't think Koeman will leave Piqué on the bench despite his inactivity and Araújo will probably occupy the other position in the centre of defence. In this way, De Jong will return to the midfield alongside Busquets and Pedri.
With all this, Barça could start with Ter Stegen, Dest, Alba, Piqué, Araujo, Busquets, De Jong, Pedri, Messi, Griezmann and Dembélé.
Real Madrid we understand will use the team that gave them such a good result against Liverpool: Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Kroos, Casemiro, Modric, Vinicius, Benzema and Asensio.
In defence they have no choice. Ramos and Carvajal injured and Varane with COVID cannot be fielded.
The midfield is "sacred", with Kroos, Casemiro and Modric.
Up front Benzema is certain and Vinicius after his magnificent game on Tuesday will also be in the starting eleven. By inertia, Asensio will be the third striker, although I don't rule out the possibility of Valverde or even Rodrygo coming in his place.
There is the option of Isco, but I don't think Zidane will start him in place of Asensio.
"When things work, don't touch them" and I hope Zidane will apply this.
Ronald Koeman, for his part, has followed this philosophy and, so far, it is working well. When someone doesn't work, whether it's Griezmann or Umtiti, he doesn't use them. And if Araújo or Pedri work he has no hesitation in continuing to use them.
