Real Madridwill hostBarcelonain the first Clasico of the season this weekend with a host of new faces set for their first taste of the derby.
Los Blancos lead their old rivals by two points nine games into the season withKylian Mbappe’s winner at Getafe on Sunday keeping them at the summit.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has missed his side’s last six gameswith a hamstring injury but is expected to be available for Sunday.
He could once again come up againstMarcus Rashford– a rivalry renewed in Spain after their battles in thePremier LeaguerepresentingLiverpoolandManchester United.
Out of the two,it is Rashford who has immediately taken to life in Spain,scoring once and providing three La Liga assists into addition to his sublime brace in the Champions League against Newcastle United. In all competitions, he has registered more goal contributions than any other Barcelona player.
Get personalised football updates every day
Sign up to our daily football newsletterand choose your team to get the latest news, rumours and more about your favourite team.
Both Real and Barcelona have assignments in the Champions League to deal with first with Real hosting Juventus with Barcelona taking on Olympiacos.
Reports in Spain suggest the visit of the Italian giants will come to soon for Dean Huijsen, Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal but the trio will be available at the weekend.
There is fresh concern however for David Alaba after he was forced off against Getafe.
Antonio Rudiger is another absentee, sidelined for three months in September with a hamstring injury.
Barcelona’s biggest absentee will be in the dugout with Hansi Flick set to serve a one-match suspension after he was sent off late on in the win over Girona.
Raphinha and Ferran Torres missed training earlier this week with reports in Spain suggesting they will be rested against Olympiacos to give them the best shot of being ready for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during last month’s victory at Real Oviedo. It had been hoped that the Brazil international would have returned to action now but Sunday could now be the day.
Robert Lewandowsi has already been ruled out with a muscle issue – offering the option of Rashford being deployed through the middle if Torres is not fit.
Real Madrid XI to face Barcelona – Metro prediction
Alaba’s withdrawal at the weekend could be a major blow with Raúl Asencio in line to replace him if not passed fit.
Barcelona XI to face Real Madrid – Metro prediction
Much will depend on whether Raphinha is deemed fit enough to start. If so, the Brazilian,who scored twice in the 4-3 thriller in May that sealed the title, will surely come back into the side on the left with Lamine Yamal on the right.
It could see Rashford moved through the middle if there are any doubts lingering over the fitness of Torres.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona TV channel and kick-off time
El Clasico kicks off at3:15pmonSunday 26 October.
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the game which will be will be broadcast on Premier Sports 1.
You can also follow all the action withMetro’sLIVE blog.
