Gordon, Fermin start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Madrid in El Clasico

Gordon, Fermin start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Real Madrid in El Clasico Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to the Spotify Camp Nou tonight in what promises to be one of the most important El Clasico encounters in recent seasons. Hansi Flick’s men enter the contest with a six-point advantage in La Liga , knowing that victory would further strengthen their position in the title race. However, the Catalans are also coming off a 4-2 defeat against PSG in the Champions League and will be determined to bounce back. Jose Mourinho’s Madrid, meanwhile, arrive with confidence following impressive performances against Sevilla and RB Leipzig. That said, the absence of Vinicius Junior, who is set to miss this game through suspension, would be a significant blow for Madrid. With both teams possessing exceptional attacking quality, Barcelona must try to win the game in midfield by using their superiority in that area. Here is how Flick could set up his Barcelona team for Sunday’s blockbuster encounter. Defence Joan Garcia is expected to retain his place between the posts. The goalkeeper will have a crucial role against Kylian Mbappe, and his starting position will be particularly important. Barça will need their talented number one not just for shot-stopping but also to sweep up long balls behind the high defensive line. Joan Garcia needs to be quick off his line against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) In central defence, injuries leave Hansi Flick short of options , but Pau Cubarsi was always going to be an automatic starter. His passing ability and composure will be important in helping Barcelona build attacks under pressure. Alongside him, Gerard Martin will start, adding a left-footed presence and defensive stability against Madrid’s forwards. Xavi Espart had an excellent showing against PSG and looks set to continue at right-back in the absence of Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia. On the opposite flank, Joao Cancelo should start at left-back, offering creativity and attacking support to the left-winger. The Portugal international did not have the greatest of games against PSG, and Alejandro Balde remains an option, but Flick is likely to persist with Cancelo. Midfield Rodri and Pedri are expected to form Barcelona’s midfield double pivot, giving Flick an excellent combination of defensive security and technical control. The former was rested for around an hour in Paris to manage his minutes ahead of this particular game. Pedri was also taken off early. Rodri’s positional awareness will be vital in limiting Madrid’s transitions, while Pedri must dictate the tempo and help Barcelona play through Mourinho’s midfield. Ahead of them, Fermin Lopez is an automatic selection in the number 10 role, with Dani Olmo absent through injury. Fermin Lopez picks himself in the absence of Dani Olmo. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) The Spaniard’s pressing intensity, late runs into the box and ability to exploit spaces between the lines make him valuable against a team like Los Blancos . Attack Lamine Yamal is certain to start on the right wing, and his talent needs no introduction. He is also in excellent league form coming into this fixture. On the left, Anthony Gordon should retain his place ahead of Karim Adeyemi. His direct running and work rate will be important in stretching Madrid’s defence and supporting Cancelo. Leading the attack, Raphinha is expected to operate as the centre-forward. The Brazilian will be keen to get back to his goalscoring ways against Madrid. His willingness to drop deeper and create space for Yamal and Gordon could also make Barcelona’s attacking movements difficult for Madrid to predict. With Flick’s side looking to recover from their European setback, it remains to be seen how they set up and whether they can secure the three points against their arch-rivals.