Real Madrid host Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season today with a host of new faces set for their first taste of the iconic Spanish derby.
Los Blancos lead their old rivals by two points nine games into the season with Kylian Mbappe’s winner at Getafe on Sunday keeping them at the summit.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has missed his side’s last few games with a hamstring injury but is expected to be available today – though he may have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Alexander-Arnold could once again come up against Marcus Rashford – a rivalry renewed in Spain after their battles in the Premier League representing Liverpool and Manchester 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.
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Both Real and Barcelona were in Champions League action in midweek, with Xabi Alonso’s side beating Juventus 1-0 while the Catalan club thumped Olympiakos 6-1.
Real duo Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal trained with the group on Friday so should be in contention to face Barcelona.
David Alaba, though, is set to miss today’s clash with a calf injury.
Antonio Rudiger is another absentee, sidelined for three months in September with a hamstring injury. Dean Huijsen is a doubt – but should start.
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.
Barcelona will also be without first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia and club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Raphinha is losing his fitness battle after missing training on Friday which means Rashford could start. Barcelona’s Gavi will not play due to injury.
Robert Lewandowski is ruled out with a muscle issue – but Ferran Torres should be fit to lead the line after being rested against Olympiakos.
Real Madrid XI to face Barcelona – Metro prediction
Jude Bellingham scored the winner against Juventus in midweek and looks set to start alongside Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr.
Barcelona XI to face Real Madrid – Metro prediction
Wojciech Szczesny is set to start in goal for Barcelona.
Jules Kounde is likely to be named in the Barcelona XI too despite being substituted in the 6-1 win over Olympiakos.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona TV channel and kick-off time
El Clasico kicks off at 3:15pm on Sunday 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 with Metro’s LIVE blog.
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