Real Madrid consider reshaped attack for crucial Barcelona Clasico

Real Madrid are preparing for a potentially decisive La Liga meeting with Barcelona on Sunday, with Jose Mourinho considering a tactical change to cope with a series of absences.

The visitors will face their traditional rivals at Spotify Camp Nou in the 10th round of the Spanish league season. Real Madrid must avoid defeat to prevent Barcelona opening up a nine-point advantage at the top of the table.

Mourinho will be without Vinicius Junior, who is suspended, while Rodrygo Goes, Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy remain unavailable because of injuries, despite making noticeable progress in their recoveries.

According to AS, one option under consideration is to use Federico Valverde on the right side in a more advanced position rather than as a full-back. The plan would allow the Uruguay international to support Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield, while also making use of his ability to drive quick attacks.

Denzel Dumfries would then operate behind Valverde at right-back. He would form the defensive line alongside Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen, with Marc Cucurella completing the back four.

Guler is expected to retain the playmaking role in midfield, alongside Tchouameni, with the emphasis placed more heavily on physical strength in the centre of the pitch.

The two players have started together in that position only once so far. That match came last week, when Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1.

Jude Bellingham would play in a central attacking role, tasked with supplying Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande. Diomande has been in particularly strong goalscoring form and would complete the front three.

Real Madrid would also have several options on the substitutes’ bench. Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger could provide defensive reinforcements, while Bernardo Silva would offer greater control in possession.

Ibrahim Diaz, Endrick and Espe would give Mourinho further attacking alternatives if the match demanded a change in approach.

The expected Real Madrid line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin

Defence: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella

Midfield: Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde

Attack: Jude Bellingham, Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe