Prediction: Real Madrid vs Barcelona

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With all eyes falling on the Spanish capital this weekend, Real Madrid will welcome Barcelona to the Bernabeu for the first El Clasico of the season on Saturday night.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, mounting what was a sensational Champions League comeback earlier in the week as they eventually secured an action-packed 5-2 win against Stuttgart, Real Madrid know the importance of making a major domestic statement here. Although Los Blancos might have marked their return from October’s international break with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Celta Vigo, Carlo Ancelotti’s side open up this weekend’s fixtures sat three points adrift of their arch-rivals and climbing to the top of the La Liga table. Making real history last season as they were crowned both European and Spanish champions, the former AC Milan boss is calling on his superstar squad to find some crucial defensive stability. Suffering a major Champions League upset on October 2nd as they fell to a 1-0 loss at the hands of French outfit Lille, Real Madrid have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous eight consecutive appearances across all competitions.

Team News

Picking up another injury blow against Stuttgart earlier in the week, Real Madrid are expected to be without Belgium shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois on Saturday night. Putting pen to paper on a new deal, Andriy Lunin will return between the sticks here.

Undergoing knee surgery during October’s international break, Los Blancos have already confirmed that veteran defender Dani Carvajal will not feature over the remainder of the season. Likewise, despite playing down rumours over an early retirement, ex-Bayern Munich star David Alaba will not play any part.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, although some might have been shocked over the summer following Hansi Flick’s arrival in Catalonia, Barcelona have only continued on a remarkable rise under the former Bayern Munich boss. With the mood around the Now Camp at a red-hot high, Saturday’s guests open this weekend’s fixtures holding a three-point buffer at the top of the La Liga standings. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, Barca certainly claimed a heavyweight Champions League scalp in midweek. Putting in a sensational performance as they stormed their way to a 4-1 victory against Bayern, Flick’s high-flying squad are firing on all cylinders. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 5-1 win against Sevilla, Barcelona have collected 27 points from their first 10 La Liga appearances so far this season. Continuing to shine in the final third, the Spanish giants should be relishing a trip to the capital this weekend.

Team News

Undergoing knee surgery last month, Barcelona will be without number one goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen for the remainder of the season. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance since the opening weekend, former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen remains on the sidelines and will not play any part here.

Enjoying what has been a remarkable purple patch this season and already registering 12 La Liga strikes, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski will lead Flick’s charge. Bagging a Champions League hat-trick against against Bayern Munich in midweek, ex-Leeds star Raphinha will parter Lewandowski in the final third.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Madrid and Barcelona last met for a La Liga showdown back on April 21st, Los Blancos collected a frantic 3-2 victory on home soil.
• In fact, the defending Spanish champions have won each of their previous four competitive meetings against their arch-rivals.
• Real Madrid have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous eight appearances across all competitions.
• Barcelona have collected 27 points from their first 10 La Liga appearances so far this season.
• Flick’s high-flying squad have also registered 33 goals in those first 10 La Liga showdowns.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might hold a rampant recent record against their arch-rivals, Los Blancos should be bracing themselves for a stern challenge here. With the defending champions continuing to show some real cause for concern at the back, a free-scoring Barcelona will certainly ask some real questions on Saturday night. In an iconic showdown that tends to produce plenty of fireworks, we are expecting what should be another action-packed contest from the capital.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet