El Clasico preview
It’s the newest and last El Clasico of the 2022-23 season, and arguably a very powerful, as Actual Madrid go to Barcelona in a bid to win which may be their solely trophy of the season. Madrid could also be into the quarter-finals of the Champions League however, regardless of defeating Barcelona again on the Bernabeu, they’ve misplaced three Clasico contests since within the Supercopa de Espana last, a return league fixture at Camp Nou and Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Barcelona have needed to watch Actual Madrid and Atletico Madrid win the La Liga title within the final three seasons, however the Catalan outfit are at the moment in a commanding place on the prime of the desk, boasting a twelve-point benefit over the reigning champions. However all that can imply nothing if the Blaugrana throw their first-leg lead away and lose to Los Blancos right here at Camp Nou.
Actual Madrid know that this competitors may be their solely wager to win silverware this season, with the Champions League trying seemingly troublesome after a stern path to the finals.
Xavi’s aspect have hardly missed a step within the league this season, profitable 21 of their 25 matches, drawing twice and struggling two defeats, whereas they’ve solely conceded eight La Liga targets all marketing campaign, which is a shocking file at this stage of proceedings.
Barcelona had been knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United within the playoff stage final month, however they’ve already lifted the Spanish Tremendous Cup this season and are chasing two extra trophies, together with the Copa del Rey, the place Actual Madrid are additionally standing of their manner of success.
Eden Hazard makes his 1st look in La Liga after 6 months and 20 days👀#Hazard #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/wmnxgDt3Kc
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) April 2, 2023
Actual Madrid, in the meantime, are nonetheless on for a treble this season, reserving their spot within the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday night time courtesy of a 1-0 win over Liverpool at Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti‘s aspect beat final season’s finalists 6-2 on combination to comfortably progress to the ultimate eight, the place they’ll meet extra Premier League opposition within the form of Chelsea. Actual Madrid are definitely underdogs in La Liga at this stage of the season, whereas they’ve work to do of their Copa del Rey semi-final return leg as properly.
Barcelona vs Actual Madrid – Staff information
Barcelona had initially been hopeful of getting Ousmane Dembele out there for this match, however it has come too quickly, with the France worldwide nonetheless out for the hosts as a consequence of a hamstring concern. Pedri had been anticipated to return from a hamstring drawback of his personal, with the midfielder proving his health final week after sitting out the staff’s final seven matches in all competitions, however he suffered discomfort in coaching and has subsequently been overlooked.
Barcelona Predicted XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Sergi Roberto, Gavi, Busquets, De Jong; Raphinha, Lewandowski.
Actual Madrid in the meantime haven’t any main harm considerations, which can make Ancelotti hopeful of a greater consequence this outing. Ferland Mendy is uncertain for this conflict and will probably be assessed proper earlier than the match.
Actual Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Nacho; Modric, Camavinga, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Barcelona vs Actual Madrid – Key gamers
Barcelona – Robert Lewandowski
Barcelona’s huge summer time signing has gone chilly. That may sound unusual to say a couple of participant who has scored 27 targets in all competitions this season however he has solely scored 4 in 9 in LaLiga since soccer returned after the World Cup and he solely managed one within the Europa League loss to Manchester United — a penalty.
However these are the video games Barcelona purchased Lewandowski for and can want him to shine in certainly one of them quickly.
Actual Madrid – Eduardo Camavinga
When Aurélien Tchouaméni signed from Monaco final summer time after Kylian Mbappé did a u-turn and determined to remain at PSG, Eduardo Camavinga was stated to be the person to lose out.
The 20-year-old was seen as extra of a piece in progress for Los Blancos than Tchouaméni. For the reason that return of the World Cup, Camavinga has carved out a task for himself in Ancelotti’s plans and may simply be a very powerful participant within the squad by way of versatility.
El Clasico prediction
Barcelona have a real purpose to imagine that is their yr to reclaim the La Liga crown off Madrid and a win right here will take them a step nearer to the home double.
Carlo Ancelotti’s aspect are nonetheless within the operating for a treble. La Liga is a tall order and a victory on Sunday in Copa del Rey is crucial to maintain the hopes of a treble alive. Los Blancos actually need to win in midweek, however it’s robust to again Barcelona to lose at Camp Nou, and followers are finally anticipating a good and nervy affair to complete the Catalans manner. FootTheBall says Barcelona 3-2 Actual Madrid.