In this season, Barcelona remains unbeaten across all competitions and currently sits in third place in the table with 24 points from their first 10 matches. Meanwhile, Real Madrid tops the table with 25 points. Last season, Barcelona was undoubtedly the best team in La Liga, clinching the championship with four matches to spare and finishing 10 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
However, this season, the title race appears to be much closer at the top of the table. Xavi's team has not been without flaws in the league this season, as they've been held to draws by Getafe, Mallorca, and Granada.
Nonetheless, they've secured victories in their other seven matches, accumulating 24 points and placing them third, just one point behind both Girona in second place and Real Madrid, who leads the league after 10 matches.
Barcelona recently won 1-0 against Athletic Bilbao in the league, with a significant goal coming from 17-year-old debutant Marc Guiu. They also secured a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this Wednesday.
Xavi has yet to lead Barcelona into the Champions League knockout rounds, but they currently top Group H with nine points, positioning them well for the next stage.
Barcelona has won two of their last three league games against Real Madrid, including a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last season. However, this match will not be held at Camp Nou due to ongoing renovation work, which could level the playing field in that regard.
In all competitions, Barcelona has triumphed in four of their last six encounters with Real Madrid. While the title won't be determined on Saturday, securing a favorable outcome in these matches is always crucial.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is coming off a 2-1 victory over Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday, placing them at the top of Group C with nine points.
Similar to Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti's team is in an excellent position to advance to the round of 16. They currently lead La Liga with a record of eight wins, one draw, and one defeat. Their sole loss came against Atletico Madrid on September 24, and it was a subpar performance for the team.
Real Madrid wasn't at their best in their recent league match against Sevilla but managed to secure a point after falling behind. Their narrow victory over Braga in Portugal has given them momentum heading into El Clasico, with the team confident due to a strong start to the season.
Jude Bellingham has been the standout player for Real Madrid this season, with 11 goals and three assists in 12 appearances in all competitions. The 20-year-old is about to experience his first Clasico, and it's expected to be a long and successful career for him in the Spanish capital.
The last time these two teams met in March, Real Madrid routed Barcelona 4-0 in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Real Madrid's last league victory against Barcelona at the Catalan side's home was in October 2021.
Interestingly, Real Madrid currently boasts the best defensive record in La Liga this season, conceding just seven times, while Barcelona has allowed 10 goals. However, Barcelona has outscored Real Madrid, with 22 goals compared to Real Madrid's 21.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Barcelona will have to make do without three key first-team players in this match, as Jules Kounde, Sergi Roberto, and Pedri won't be available for selection.Despite picking up a heavy knock in the match against Shakhtar, Joao Felix is expected to start. Similarly, Raphinha is likely to overcome his hamstring issue and be included in the squad.
There are some doubts surrounding the availability of Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski due to ankle problems, but both are expected to take part in training on Friday in a bid to recover in time for El Clasico. If Lewandowski comes through Friday's session without any issues, he is likely to be in the starting lineup. There's also a chance that 16-year-old Lamine Yamal could be given a starting role on the right, causing Ferran Torres to be on the bench.
Real Madrid's injury situation is more straightforward at this point. Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are definitely ruled out due to long-term knee problems, and Dani Ceballos will once again be absent due to a muscular problem.
Arda Guler has resumed training after recovering from a thigh issue that followed a knee operation, but it's unlikely that he will be considered for selection in this match.
Eduardo Camavinga is expected to fill in at the left-back position for this game, with Toni Kroos taking his place in midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
Joselu is likely to recover from an illness in time to make the squad. Additionally, Jude Bellingham, despite suffering an injury scare in the match against Braga, has confirmed his availability. He is expected to operate behind a front two consisting of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS
Barcelona possible starting lineup:Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Martinez, Balde; Gavi, Romeu, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga; Valverde, Tchouameni, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
EXPERT PREDICTION
Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid
