Real Madrid XI vs Barcelona: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for El Clasico

Arda Guler has staked a claim to start for Real Madrid against Barcelona (Getty Images)

Carlo Ancelotti has no choice but to name a makeshift Real Madrid defence for this weekend’s El Clasico showdown with Barcelona.

Los Blancos head to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in the knowledge they are losing grip on their LaLiga crown. Trailing their bitter rivals by four points with four games to play, nothing but a win will keep the title race alive.

Keeping Barca’s attack at bay is a massive task in itself and Madrid’s hopes of doing so have been dealt a major blow as it is in defence where they’ve had no luck.

Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao have long been ruled out for the season with ACL injuries and they’ve since been joined on the sidelines by Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba.

As a result, Aurelien Tchouameni is set to deputise in central defence alongside Raul Asencio. Meanwhile, Fran Garcia has the unenviable task of dealing with Lamine Yamal on the left and Federico Valverde is an option drafted in at right-back to try and contain Raphinha.

However, with a lack of central midfield options, Valverde will be needed in the engine room alongside Luka Modric.

There is a decision to make as to who joins Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham in attack.

Kylian Mbappe is fit to start against Barcelona (AP)

Rodrygo should be fit after recovering from an illness. But he may not be an automatic starter on the right given Arda Guler impressed there against Celta last week with a goal and an assist.

Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Modric; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

Injured: Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Alaba, Camavinga

Doubts: Rodrygo

Time and date: 3.15pm BST on Sunday May 11, 2025

How to watch: Premier Sports

Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.