Team News
Real Madrid
- Zinedine Zidane doesn’t have any fresh injury concerns heading into this game, with Raphael Varane back fit at centre-back.
- Casemiro and Sergio Ramos return after suspension, with Isco and Gareth Bale battling to start in behind the front two.
- Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit to start after training away from the group briefly this week, with Los Blancos not altering their formula much at all.
Barcelona
- Thomas Vermaelen will continue at centre-back for the visitors, and the Belgian has looked solid recently.
- Andres Iniesta was excellent against Deportivo last time out, and will start once again in midfield for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
- Sergi Roberto should be preferred to Nelson Semedo at right-back, with Paulinho playing in close support of the front two.
Match Facts
Barcelonahavewon 20 of their last 23 matches (La Liga).
Barcelonahavescored at least 2 goals in 21 of their last 23 matches (La Liga).
Real Madridhavescored at least 2 goals in 20 of their last 23 home matches (La Liga).
Real Madridareundefeated in 30 of their last 32 home matches (La Liga).
Real Madridhave been winning at both half time and full time in their last 5 home matches (La Liga).
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Real Madrid‘s last 4 home games (La Liga).
Real Madridhavescored at least 2 goals in their last 4 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.
Prediction
- Real Madrid have spent the last week or so at the Club World Cup, with victories against Al Jazira and Gremio bound to have boosted their confidence levels.
- Los Blancos have won their last five home games in La Liga, keeping four clean sheets during that time. Sevilla were recently demolished 5-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu and Zidane’s men have recaptured their mojo a little.
- Barcelona are still protecting an unbeaten record at the summit of La Liga and haven’t lost a league game since a 2-0 loss at Malaga back in April.
Prediction:
Real Madrid
2
2
Barcelona