Sofia Quijada
| Prefer us on Google — see Tips.gg in Top Stories & Discover | Add on Google |
Barcelona host Real Madrid in Spanish La Liga, and the predicted lineups for this Clásico take on extra interest given how differently each side has been rotating before kickoff on Sunday 25 October 2026. Hansi Flick has cycled his options more than José Mourinho has across the matches used for this projection, so the contrast between the two sides’ rotation is the clearest early storyline ahead of this one. Both projected XIs below are built from recent starting patterns, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Barcelona Line-up
Barcelona’s projection lines up in a 4-2-3-1, the shape Hansi Flick prefers as coach. The side looks largely settled, with 9 of the projected XI starting their last match, though a handful of midfield places remain in play. Joan García and Gerard Martín stand out for consistency, each with four starts across the matches used here and three in their last three outings, giving the base of the side a settled look even as things rotate further forward.
Barcelona predicted XI: Joan García; Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, Xavi Espart, João Cancelo; Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante, Fermín López, Marc Bernal; Anthony Gordon
| Line | # | Player | Starts in last 4 | Last 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | Joan García | 4/4 | 3/3 |
| D | 18 | Gerard Martín | 4/4 | 3/3 |
| D | 5 | Pau Cubarsí | 3/4 | 3/3 |
| D | 12 | Xavi Espart | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| D | 2 | João Cancelo | 2/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 10 | Lamine Yamal | 4/4 | 3/3 |
| M | 8 | Pedri | 3/4 | 3/3 |
| M | 16 | Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 7 | Fermín López | 2/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 22 | Marc Bernal | 1/4 | 1/3 |
| F | 17 | Anthony Gordon | 3/4 | 2/3 |
Predicted Real Madrid Line-up
Real Madrid’s expected XI is also projected in a 4-2-3-1, matching José Mourinho’s preferred setup. Their lineup reads as largely settled too, with 8 of the projected XI starting their last match, suggesting fewer changes than at times earlier in the sample. Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde are the most consistent picks, both with four starts from the matches used and three apiece in their last three, anchoring a team news picture that looks more fixed than Barcelona’s.
Real Madrid predicted XI: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté; Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, Aurelien Tchouameni, Yan Diomande, Vinícius; Kylian Mbappé
| Line | # | Player | Starts in last 4 | Last 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | Thibaut Courtois | 4/4 | 3/3 |
| D | 8 | Federico Valverde | 4/4 | 3/3 |
| D | 22 | Antonio Rüdiger | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| D | 4 | Dean Huijsen | 2/4 | 2/3 |
| D | 16 | Ibrahima Konaté | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 5 | Jude Bellingham | 4/4 | 3/3 |
| M | 15 | Arda Güler | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 14 | Aurelien Tchouameni | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 25 | Yan Diomande | 3/4 | 2/3 |
| M | 7 | Vinícius | 2/4 | 2/3 |
| F | 10 | Kylian Mbappé | 4/4 | 3/3 |
Injuries and Suspensions
Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Jules Koundé, Roony Bardghji and Daniel Olmo Carvajal are out injured, a list that falls heavily on the defensive line and leaves Barcelona’s back four short of options. Of those on the bench, Gabriel Jesus carries the most recent starting experience and looks best placed to come into the side if changes are needed.
| Player | Pos | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andreas Christensen | D | injured | Muscle bruise |
| Eric García | D | injured | Muscle bruise |
| Jules Koundé | D | injured | Sprained ankle |
| Roony Bardghji | F | injured | Jumpers knee |
| Daniel Olmo Carvajal | M | injured | Pulled hamstring at the adductors |
Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo are out injured for Real Madrid, again thinning the defensive cover alongside the loss of a forward option. Marc Cucurella and Álvaro Fernández Carreras both carry two starts from the bench, making either a plausible option to come into the side.
| Player | Pos | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferland Mendy | D | injured | Hip injury |
| Raul Asencio | D | injured | Broken leg |
| Rodrygo | F | injured | Jumpers knee |
How These Line-ups Were Picked
Each predicted lineup was built from the last four matches for that side, with more recent matches weighted more heavily than older ones. Any player confirmed injured or suspended was removed from selection before the XI was assembled. This is a projection, not a confirmed team sheet, and it can change once the official line-ups are announced closer to kickoff.
FAQ
What formation are Barcelona and Real Madrid expected to use?
Both sides are projected in a 4-2-3-1 for this match, matching the preferred setups of Hansi Flick and José Mourinho respectively.
Who is predicted to start in goal?
Joan García is projected in goal for Barcelona, with Thibaut Courtois expected to start for Real Madrid.
Who is unavailable for Barcelona and Real Madrid?
Barcelona are without Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Jules Koundé, Roony Bardghji and Daniel Olmo Carvajal through injury, while Real Madrid are missing Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo for the same reason.
When are Barcelona vs Real Madrid predicted lineups and team news due, and what is the match date?
Barcelona host Real Madrid on Sunday 25 October 2026, with these predicted lineups and team news covering that fixture.