Barcelona vs. Real Madrid expected lineups: Carlo Ancelotti adapts to Xavi Hernandez’s system

There is much anticipation across the world when El Clasico returns for the fourth time this season. Barcelona and Real Madrid will meet at the Audi Camp Nou on Sunday evening, both looking for a win.

That might be a decisive encounter in the La Liga title battle, with Barcelona presently nine points clear. A win puts one hand on the trophy, but a Real Madrid victory tightens the margin to six points before the international break.

There will be no major shocks in terms of tactics or lineups. According to Marca, Xavi Hernandez will make two changes from last Sunday’s hard-fought victory over Athletic Club, with Ronald Araujo and Franck Kessie replacing Sergi Roberto and Ferran Torres.

Barcelona will line up with four midfielders, and Carlo Ancelotti is anticipated to use a similar strategy for El Clasico, with Sport reporting that he will choose an unchanged lineup from Wednesday’s win over Liverpool. Federico Valverde will continue to play farther forward, with Eduardo Camavinga remaining as the holding midfielder.

It promises to be another entertaining meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Sunday evening, with both teams aiming for a key La Liga victory.