Guler, Diomande to start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line-up against Barcelona

· MadridUniversal

Real Madrid travel to the Spotify Camp Nou tonight to face Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the league season. Jose Mourinho’s men enter the encounter six points behind Hansi Flick’s side in La Liga. They know that a win would push them right back into contention, while a loss could knock the stuffing […] The post Guler, Diomande to start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line-up against Barcelona appeared first on Madrid Universal .

Real Madrid travel to the Spotify Camp Nou tonight to face Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the league season.

Jose Mourinho’s men enter the encounter six points behind Hansi Flick’s side in La Liga . They know that a win would push them right back into contention, while a loss could knock the stuffing out of them.

Los Blancos have found some much-needed form in recent weeks, scoring eight goals across their last two matches against Sevilla and RB Leipzig.

Jose Mourinho’s tactical changes have worked like a charm, and Madrid have managed to find more balance in the absence of Vinicius.

Barcelona, meanwhile, come into the fixture on the back of a 4-2 defeat to PSG in the Champions League, although they remain perfect in La Liga .

Mourinho has some important tactical decisions to make, particularly with Vinicius still unavailable through suspension and Barça being one of the most in-form teams in Europe.

Here is how Mourinho could set up his Real Madrid team for Sunday’s marquee clash.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois is certain to start between the posts. The Belgian will have a crucial role against Barcelona’s potent attacking unit.

Flick’s team tend to create chances for fun, and Madrid will need a lot of support from Courtois to end the game with a favourable result.

His shot-stopping ability could prove decisive, but Madrid will also need him to be comfortable playing out from the back against Barcelona’s aggressive pressing.

At right-back, Federico Valverde is expected to retain his place after impressing in the position against Sevilla and RB Leipzig.

The Uruguayan has brought much-needed energy and balance to Madrid’s defensive structure. His ability to hold the right flank on his own also allows Arda Guler to tuck in.

Valverde will have to be particularly careful against Anthony Gordon, whose direct running and pace could pose problems on the left flank.

In central defence, Ibrahima Konate is expected to return to the starting line-up after being rested against Leipzig.

Antonio Rudiger could partner the Frenchman, giving Mourinho an experienced and physically imposing defensive combination.

Both defenders are comfortable competing in individual duels, but Madrid may have to sacrifice some of the ball-playing ability that Huijsen brings to the table.

On the opposite flank, Marc Cucurella should start at left-back. The Spaniard will have one of the toughest assignments of the evening against Lamine Yamal.

Cucurella showed last season that he can hold his own against the Barça teenager, and Madrid will hope for a repeat on this occasion.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are expected to form Madrid’s double pivot. The duo can offer a lot of physicality in midfield.

Tchouameni will have an important role in protecting the defence and preventing Barcelona from progressing through central areas.

His positioning and ability to recover possession could be particularly valuable against Pedri and Rodri, who will look to run the show.

Alongside him, Camavinga could be handed another start following his impressive performance against RB Leipzig.

The France international offers defensive intensity and the ability to carry the ball through midfield, something that could help Madrid escape Barcelona’s pressure.

Ahead of the double pivot, Jude Bellingham is expected to occupy the number 10 position.

The Englishman’s intelligent movement and ability to make late runs into the penalty area could make him an important attacking weapon.

Bellingham will also be expected to contribute defensively, particularly when Madrid look to stop Pedri and Rodri.

Attack

Arda Guler is expected to start on the right wing, but that is only his nominal position on paper.

The Turkey international has been one of Madrid’s most creative players this season, and his ability to drift inside from the right could offer the team control.

His combinations with Valverde and Bellingham will be particularly important, especially against a Barcelona side that likes to press aggressively.

On the opposite flank, Yan Diomande should retain his place in the absence of Vinicius. His task will be to hug the touchline.

The Ivory Coast winger has been in excellent form recently, and his pace and dribbling ability could cause serious problems for Barcelona’s defensive line.

Leading the attack, Kylian Mbappe is an automatic selection. The Frenchman will undoubtedly be Madrid’s biggest attacking threat against Barcelona.

His ability to make runs behind the defence could be especially important against Flick’s high defensive line.

With Mourinho’s men looking to close the six-point gap, it remains to be seen how they set up against Barcelona and whether they can secure a crucial victory at the Camp Nou .

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