Confirmed: Barcelona starting lineup to face Real Madrid

Confirmed: Barcelona starting lineup to face Real Madrid FC Barcelona have officially confirmed their starting lineup as they lock horns with Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico . Hansi Flick has had to make some tough decisions in defence, due to the injuries of Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde. Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, therefore, continue as only options in central defence, with Xavi Espart moving to the right-back position in the absence of both Garcia and Kounde. Joao Cancelo will be operating as a left-back with Joan Garcia continuing in between the sticks. In midfield, Flick has finally brought back Rodri in the engine room after controversially benching him for the important Champions League encounter against PSG in midweek. Rodri and Pedri, therefore, will reclaim their position in the double-pivot, supported by the attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, who starts in place of Dani Olmo following the former RB Leipzig star’s injury . In the attack, Raphinha had one of his worst games this season against PSG in midweek. He will be hoping for a better showing tonight, as he spearheads the Barcelona frontline. Raphinha will be supported by the two wide attackers in Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon, who gets the nod ahead of Karim Adeyemi. Flick has some differential players in the dugout with Adeyemi, Gabriel Jesus and even Gavi ready to make an impact while Frenkie de Jong could be a potential alternative in defence and midfield.