It's a contest that needs no introduction. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been battling it out for Spanish supremacy for decades and the rivalry is renewed this weekend with Barca playing host to the first Clasico of the 2023/24 season.
El Clasico is a fixture that transcends the on-pitch action. It's a rivalry entrenched in cultural and political significance, although both Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti will primarily be concerned with snatching all three points on Saturday.
The two sides are once again expected to duel for the La Liga title this season, with champions Barcelona entering the clash just a point adrift of league leaders Real Madrid.
Both teams have enjoyed productive openings to the season, but Saturday's Clasico will doubtlessly set the tone for how the rest of the 2023/24 campaign plays out at La Liga's summit.
Here's 90min's preview of Saturday's Clasico between Barca and Madrid.
What time does Barcelona vs Real Madrid kick-off?
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
- Date: Saturday 28 October
- Kick-off Time: 15:15 BST / 10:15 ET / 07:15 PT
- Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano
- VAR: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez
Barcelona vs Real Madrid H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Barcelona: 3 wins
- Real Madrid: 2 wins
- Draws: 0
Current form (all competitions)
- Barcelona: WWDWW
- Real Madrid: WDWWW
How to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV and live stream
Barcelona team news
Well, where do we start? This fixture has been cited as a potential return date for several of Barcelona's current injured stars, but it remains to be seen how many players Xavi will welcome back for El Clasico.
Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha have all returned to training ahead of Saturday's game and there's particular optimism about Lewandowski's status.
Joao Felix should be fit despite picking up a knock on Wednesday in Barca's win over Shakhtar Donetsk, but Pedri will not feature. Jules Kounde and Sergi Roberto are also expected to be absent.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
Barca predicted lineup vs Madrid (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; Romeu, Lopez, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Gavi.
Real Madrid team news
There's much less melodrama on the injury front for the visitors, although Jude Bellingham was substituted in midweek against Braga with a suspected knock.
Ancelotti, though, all but confirmed Real Madrid's latest superstar will be fine for Saturday's Clasico.
Madrid will only be without long-term absentees Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona
Madrid predicted lineup vs Barca (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid score prediction
These fixtures are never easy to predict, but you have to suspect Barca's injuries could swing the contest in Madrid's favour. Even if the hosts welcome several key players back into the matchday squad on Saturday, there's no guarantee any of them will be 100% fit.
Xavi has so far managed pretty well despite the pile up of injuries, with the boss turning to La Masia for mitigation.
However, this Barcelona side are yet to fire at the start of the new season despite their impressive points tally and while Madrid have been forced to grind out a few results, their experienced superstars could get them over the line in a contest of this magnitude.
Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
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This article was originally published on 90min as Barcelona vs Real Madrid - La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction.
