Mourinho considers three tactical options for Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona

Real Madrid travel to face traditional rivals Barcelona on Sunday in the 10th round of La Liga, with the hosts six points clear at the top on 27 points and Real Madrid third.

According to AS, nine places in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI appear settled, but Fede Valverde’s role remains uncertain. The Real Madrid midfielder has impressed at right-back, although Mourinho’s decision in that position could shape the rest of the team and provide a tactical surprise for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.

Thibaut Courtois is expected to start in goal after saving about 45 of the 59 shots he has faced. In front of him, Konate is strongly expected to play after being rested against Leipzig, while Marc Cucurella should feature at left-back and Aurelien Tchouameni in the holding midfield role.

Jude Bellingham and Diomande are also expected to start, with the latter operating on the left because Vinicius Junior will serve the second match of his suspension. Kylian Mbappe’s place is considered certain.

Valverde at right-back

Valverde has shown occasional defensive uncertainty but has generally performed well in the position. He moved to right-back in the second half against Villarreal and created Diomande’s goal before finishing the match against Roma in the same role.

He then started at right-back against Sevilla and Leipzig, making it four consecutive appearances in the position. That run is likely to continue in the most important match of the sequence.

Valverde’s ability to run forward vertically, combine with midfielders and create overloads makes the role attractive. It would leave the right wing and one midfield place to fill, with Mourinho favouring a left-footed player on the right because it allows him to move inside and leave space for Valverde to attack.

The three candidates are Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Endrick, with two expected to start. If Guler and Bernardo Silva play together, one would take the right-wing position. If Endrick is selected, one of the other two would partner Tchouameni in midfield. This is regarded as the most likely scenario at Camp Nou.

Other possible formations

Mourinho could instead restore Valverde and Tchouameni as the midfield pairing. That would offer greater physical strength than a midfield including Guler or Bernardo Silva alongside Tchouameni, particularly if Barcelona force Real Madrid deep and apply sustained pressure.

Under that plan, Guler would move to the right wing and Denzel Dumfries would play at right-back, currently ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the selection order. It would return Real Madrid to their most frequently used formation this season, although that system has also raised questions at times.

A third option would see Valverde play on the right wing, with Gordon likely to feature and Karim Adeyemi also in contention. Guler would then partner Tchouameni, while the specialist right-backs would compete for their usual position.

That arrangement would allow Valverde and Guler to interchange continuously, with one moving inside as the other advances wide. It would suit a counter-attacking approach if Real Madrid surrender possession to Barcelona, but would reduce their physical presence in midfield.

Who partners Konate?

The other unresolved position is the second centre-back role. Dean Huijsen offers less defensive strength than Antonio Rudiger but is considerably better at progressing the ball and building attacks from the back. Rudiger provides greater defensive power but is less precise in possession.

Huijsen has started nine matches this season, compared with five for Rudiger. Konate, who has started 10 games, is certain to play after being rested against Malaga and Leipzig.