Barcelona vs Real Madrid
La Liga 2018/19
Venue: Camp Nou
Kick-off time: 3.15pm
Barcelona welcome a Real Madrid side engulfed in early season turmoil to the Nou Camp for the first El Clasico of the season.
For now, Julen Lopetegui remains in charge but his days could be numbered after guiding Los Blancos to their worst start to a season in 17 years.
It isn’t all rosy for Barcelona, either. The Spanish champions will be without Lionel Messi for Sunday’s derby, the first time the famous fixture hasn’t been headlined by the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo in 11 years.
Scroll down for Standard Sport’s comprehensive preview...
Team news
Lionel Messi’s absence will continue to dominate headlines as we count down to kick off. The Argentina international suffered an arm injury in the win over Sevilla which is expected to rule him out for three weeks.
Barcelona will also be light at the back for the visit of their arch-rivals with Samuel Umtiti a long-term absentee with a knee ligament injury that could require surgery.
Thomas Vermaelen is also unavailable, meaning Ernesto Valverde’s only options are Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique, who will also be expected to start in their huge Champions League clash with Inter Milan midweek.
For Real, Dani Carvajal is not expected to recover from a calf injury in time and, with Marcelo taking a knock in midweek having only just returned to the first-team following a hamstring injury, the visitors could face a dilemma at full back. Nacho will be on standby to fill in.
Lopetegui has a decision to make regarding Luka Modric, also. The Croatian has looked severely fatigued in recent weeks and, with Dani Ceballos having been rested in midweek, the Croatian could drop to the bench.
How they could line up...
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Alba, Lenglet, Pique, Semedo; Busquets, Arthur, Rakitic; Coutinho, Suarez, Rafinha
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Marcelo, Varane, Ramos, Odriozola; Casemiro, Kroos, Ceballos; Isco; Benzema, Bale
TV, online and live stream coverage
Sky Sports have lost television rights to broadcast La Liga this season, with new kid on the block Eleven Sports securing exclusive coverage in the UK.
Fans can watch the match on Eleven Sports through iOS mobile and tablet apps as well as Android mobile.
You can also follow the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Prediction
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
- Barcelona to win 2-0: 10/1
- 2-2 draw: 10/1
- Real Madrid to win 1-0: 14/1
First goalscorer odds...
- Luis Suarez: 7/2
- Gareth Bale: 13/3
- Philippe Coutinho: 11/2
- Karim Benzema: 15/2
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet
