Barcelona, Dec 1: The mother of all derbies is back in action as La Liga giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid lock horns in the season's first 'El Clasico' on Saturday, December 3 at the Camp Nou Stadium.
All leagues special site; La Liga: Schedule for game week 14
League leaders Real Madrid travel away from to take on second-placed Barcelona in a crucial La Liga game week 14 encounter.
FC Barcelona have had a shaky start to their season, their first possible start in recent history and are six points behind leaders and rivals Real Madrid.
Real Madrid, on another hand, had a brilliant start to the season as they lead the charts without losing a single game in the previous 13 encounters.
Kick-off: 8:45 PM (IST)
Venue: Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona
The match will be telecasted LIVE on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in India.
FC Barcelona does not have many injury problems as almost the entire first team squad is fit to play in the much awaited El Clasico.
Andres Iniesta who had suffered an injury in October has been declared fit to play. Although, Luis Enrique might not take any risk by playing him in the starting XI.
The entire attack force consisting of the famous Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar will be gearing up to face the arch-rivals.
Real Madrid will miss the services of star attacker Gareth Bale who suffered a gruesome injury which ruled him out of the El Clasico.
Bale recently had a knee surgery and thus there is absolutely no chance of the player making a comeback into the side before the game.
In-form Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the front-line and he will be assisted by Karim Benzema and Isco. Midfielder Casemiro is all set to make a comeback into the match day squad although, Zidane may not field him in the starting lineup.
Predicted XIs
FC Barcelona
Formation: (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Defenders: Sergi Roberto, Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, Andre Gomes
Strikers: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar
Real Madrid
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo
Midfielders: Lucas Vazquez, Luka Modric, Matteo Kovacic
Strikers: Isco, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
FC Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
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