Barcelona vs Real Madrid confirmed line-ups: Team news ahead of El Clasico

Winner will go three points clear in La Liga title race

Wednesday 18 December 2019 20:00 GMT

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Barcelona host Real Madrid in one of the tensest El Clasico derbies in recent years.

The fixture was originally supposed to take place 52 days ago but was postponed and hastily rescheduled due to public protests and clashes over Catalan independence.

That unrest has overshadowed the build-up to the game, however, on the field, the two sides are level at the top of La Liga, both on 35 points with a game in hand over their nearest challengers Sevilla.

Both sides slipped up in their most recent outings, with Barcelona held to a 2-2 draw by Real Sociedad and Madrid unable to capitalise the following day as they drew 1-1 against Valencia.

Here is everything you need to know:

Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

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1/11Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Claudio Bravo

Barcelona have the best defensive record in the league and the most clean sheets, Bravo has been fantastic in his debut season at the Nou Camp and is excellent with the ball at his feet - a necessity. Iker Casillas is not as bad as some would have you believe, he is a long way from what he once was.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Dani Alves

Not able to race up and down the pitch quite as he once was but the Brazilian is still a key outlet for this team and a fiery defender. It'll be very difficult finding a replacement for a very unique player.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Sergio Ramos

A great defender, although he can cross the line between aggressive and dirty if things are not going his way. Possesses great talent on the ball, a threat in the opposition box, but don't be surprised if he sees red.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Gerard Pique

Has returned to the kind of form that made him the world's best under Pep Guardiola, no matter who is playing alongside him. Brilliant on the ball, strong in the tackle and dominant in the air, he is the best both teams have to offer.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Jordi Alba

Marcelo has been a much improved defender this season but Alba is the superior option in defence and attack. His pace and energy are crucial to Barca's high pressing game.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Toni Kroos

Xabi Alonso has been forgotten far more quickly than could have been anticipated because of the ease with which Kroos has slipped in. A true great in possession, Kroos perhaps is found a bit wanting in his defensive duties but one of the best in his possession in the world.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Isco

During Real's bad patch since the turn of the year Isco has been the one bright, consistent spot for Carlo Ancelotti. Another who is superb on the ball and has the ability to drive his team forward with his low centre of gravity. This team is perhaps a touch attacking, and Sergio Busquets will play as bigger a role as any of the stars during the game.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Andres Iniesta

Still the master. Age may have finally caught up with long-time partner Xavi but Iniesta shows no signs of slowing. Yaya Toure and Fernandinho couldn't get near him on Wednesday night and while he has lost a little bit of pace, his brain is as sharp as any in world football.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo may have won the Ballon d'Or at the turn of the year but Lionel Messi has easily been the best player in the world since then. Where Ronaldo has struggled (by their standards) - nine goals in 14 matches - Messi has thrived with 20 in his last 17.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Luis Suarez

After taking a few weeks to work it out, his Barcelona debut in the Bernabeu was a real struggle, Suarez has finally clicked with his new team-mates. He may not quite be as prolific as he was during his Liverpool days but he is forming a nightmarish front three with Messi and Neymar that cannot be stopped.

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI

Cristiano Ronaldo

Even if he is struggling a bit, are you really going to leave Ronaldo out? Messi might be in better form, but no other player comes close to striking terror into opponents as much as the Portuguese. Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema have been anonymous lately, while Neymar is unlucky to miss out.

When is it?

The match kicks off at 7pm on Wednesday 18 December.

How can I watch it?

The match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

Team news

Barcelona: Ousmane Dembele remains absent for Barcelona, while Arthur is also struggling with injury after snowboarding sessions slowed his recovery. Nelson Semedo is available after returning from injury last weekend.

Real Madrid: Eden Hazard will miss the fixture with a foot injury, while Marcelo, James Rodriguez, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez have also all been ruled out.

Confirmed line-ups

Barcelona: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Nelson Semedo, Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

Subs: Neto, Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Busquets, Arturo Vidal, Aleñá, Carles Pérez, Ansu Fati

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Ferland Mendy; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Federico Valverde; Isco, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema.

Subs: Alphonse Areola, Eder Militao, Nacho, Luka Modric, Luka Jovic, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo.

Odds

Barcelona – 4/5

Draw – 3/1

Real Madrid – 3/1

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