It’s the 245th competitive El Clasico on Saturday at 16:00 (SA Time) with the official score 73-72 in Real Madrid’s favour. This is an intriguing clash as both of Spain’s biggest clubs suffered unlikely defeats last weekend. We will discuss what are the best bets to take ahead of El Clasico on Saturday.
Barcelona are winless in their last two La Liga matches, dropping two points against Sevilla and most recently losing to Getafe. The hosts’ form has been decent this season under new management, with Ronald Koeman’s men scoring 10 goals across three matches at Camp Nou. This includes a 5-1 Champions League win over Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
On the flip spide, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will be feeling the heat. This is after surprise back-to-back losses against Cadiz and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. Before the successive defeats, Madrid were cruising in La Liga. They had won three in a row and kept two clean sheets in the process
Team News
Jordi Alba is a doubt for Barcelona as he recovers from a hamstring problem. Sergino Dest is expected to continue at left-back this weekend.
No surprises are expected from Ronald Koeman, though Ansu Fati and Philippe Coutinho should rotate back into the starting line-up.
Dani Carvajal is out and Alvaro Odriozola is a doubt, meaning that Nacho is expected to start at right-back for Madrid. Ferland Mendy played right-back midweek, but the Frenchman’s defensive capabilities could be preferred to Marcelo’s at left-back. Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema should start upfront.
Lack of goals in El Clasico?
Barcelona have scored just one goal in their last two La Liga matches. For Madrid, there have been under 2.5 goals scored in Los Blancos last three La Liga matches. There has also been under 2.5 goals in the Last three ‘El Clasico’s.
Who will win?
Both clubs will be licking their wounds after tasting defeat for the first time in La Liga last week. Recent history suggests it will be a cagey affair so it would be very surprising if this Clasico is filled with goals. Both managers would accept a draw o this one and move one quite happily. Especially Zidane and Madrid who have already suffered two shock losses in a row and a third one would really cause panic amongst the faithful.
Goalscorers
Vinícius Júnior has scored in three of his last four for Los Blancos – opening the scoring in two league matches fixtures as well as netting the fastest Champions League goal by a substitute (15 seconds) in what was a superb cameo from the Brazilian. Vinícius is an outstanding talent albeit a bit raw but the ingredients are there for him to shine.
Another youngster making waves in world football is teenager Ansu Fati. The wide player started this season well scoring four goals in all competitions for Barcelona and grabbing a first international goal for Spain.