The season is beginning to enter its final stretch and every supporter looks towards the matches which will define their club's season. FC Barcelona will travel to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Real Madrid at a crucial point of the season. Quique Setien's side lead the way in LaLiga and victory at their nearest rival's ground could psychologically end the title race. Neither side comes into the contest in the best of form. Madrid lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City and whilst Barça didn't lose against Napoli, there were question marks about how the team played in the 1-1 draw.
Setien is expected to name almost an identical XI to the one we saw midweek. Due to long-term injuries, the starting lineup hasn't altered much over the last few weeks. The only possible change is Arthur Melo replacing Ivan Rakitic in midfield. The Brazilian would offer greater protection of the ball and help transition from defence to attack quicker than the Croatian.
No changes would see Barça maintain the current 4-3-3. However, in defence, it would switch to a 4-4-2 diamond with Vidal dropping back into midfield.
ANOTHER OPTION IS PLAYING THREE CENTRE BACKS
It doesn't seem likely that Setien would change his four-man defence with both Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba out. Junior wasn't at his best against Napoli so Setien could switch tactics and play Lenglet, Umtiti and Pique in a 3-5-2.
However, the most likely XI is still expected to be: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Júnior; Busquets, Arthur, De Jong; Griezmann, Arturo Vidal and Messi.