Real Madrid v Barcelona: Bernardo Silva named in unexpected starting XI

Real Madrid have named Bernardo Silva in their starting line-up for Sunday evening’s Clasico against Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou, with manager Jose Mourinho leaving Eduardo Camavinga out of the XI.

Andriy Lunin will start in goal for Real Madrid after Thibaut Courtois was ruled out with influenza. Federico Valverde will operate on the right side, while Kylian Mbappe leads the attack in one of the biggest matches of the La Liga season.

Real Madrid’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin

Defenders: Federico Valverde, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Aurelien Tchouameni, Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham

Forwards: Arda Guler, Yan Diomande, Kylian Mbappe

Silva’s inclusion is the most unexpected selection in Mourinho’s team, with the Portugal midfielder chosen ahead of Camavinga for the meeting with Barcelona.

The hosts have named an attacking side under Hansi Flick, with Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Raphinha selected in the forward line. Barcelona will also look to Rodri, Pedri and Fermin Lopez to control the midfield and make the most of home advantage and the support inside Spotify Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Juan Garcia

Defenders: Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo

Midfielders: Rodri, Pedri, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon, Raphinha

Real Madrid’s substitutes are Mistre, Ilya, Eder Militao, Camavinga, Endrick, Trent, Carreras Espi, Brahim, Antonio Rudiger, Dembelez and Thiago.

Barcelona’s replacements include Wojciech Szczesny, Livakovic, Alejandro Balde, Farinas, Gavi, Gabriel Jesus, Adeyemi, Frenkie de Jong, Bernal, Hamza, Campos and Jorren.

The two sides meet with the aim of settling one of the season’s major fixtures, as both managers turn to their chosen line-ups for the latest edition of the Clasico.