Barcelona and Real Madrid reveal contrasting plans for decisive El Clasico

Barcelona and Real Madrid go head-to-head in another El Clasico today, with Hansi Flick and Jose Mourinho facing important selection decisions before kick-off.

Injuries have limited Flick’s defensive options, while Fede Valverde’s recent performances at right-back have given Mourinho three possible tactical approaches to consider. Spanish newspapers Mundo Deportivo and AS outlined the expected line-ups and the main selection dilemmas facing both managers.

Flick set to repeat defensive formula

Mundo Deportivo reports that Flick is likely to retain the defensive line used against Paris Saint-Germain, with Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen still unavailable because of injury.

Xavi Espart is expected to play at right-back, with Joao Cancelo on the left. Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin are forecast to form the central defensive pairing.

Rodri and Pedri are tipped to start as the deeper midfield duo, while Fermin Lopez could operate as the attacking midfielder in place of Dani Olmo, who is out with an injury to his left adductor muscle.

Lamine Yamal is the leading candidate for the right wing. The left-sided position is reportedly between England’s Gordon and Germany’s Karim Adeyemi.

Raphinha is expected to lead the attack, although Flick could alter his shape by moving the Brazilian to the wing and using Gabriel Jesus as the central striker.

Valverde influences Madrid selection

AS says Mourinho is considering three tactical formations, each determined in part by where Valverde is deployed.

The most likely option, according to the newspaper, would see Valverde continue at right-back. That would leave two positions to be decided between Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva and Endrick, depending on how the midfield and right-wing roles are allocated.

The second possibility is to return Valverde to midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, with Guler on the right wing and Denzel Dumfries at right-back.

The third plan would place Valverde on the right wing, with Guler partnering Tchouameni in midfield. The right-back position would then be contested by the team’s natural options in that area.

In central defence, Ibrahima Konate appears the most likely starter. His partner is expected to be either Dean Huijsen or Antonio Rudiger, with Huijsen holding the advantage because he has made more starts this season.

AS also expects Thibaut Courtois to start in goal, Marc Cucurella at left-back, Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield, Diomande on the left wing and Kylian Mbappe leading the attack. Vinicius Junior is unavailable through suspension.

Expected line-ups

Barcelona: Juan Garcia; Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon.

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Fede Valverde, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham; Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe, Diomande.