El Clasico Preview

Barcelona against Real Madrid or popularly known as El Clasico is one of the biggest sporting rivalries in the world, as they are one of the most successful football sides in history with their rivalry linked with Spain's political history and the wealth of world-class players that have played for both sides from Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Xavi, Casillas, Ronaldinho, Xabi Alonso, etc. They will meet again at the Camp Nou on Sunday with bragging right not only up for grabs but to lay down a marker this season.

The rivalry in recent years have dominated with the rivalry of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi which made the rivalry more popular given their legion of fans and contrasting personalities. With Ronaldo gone to Juventus and Messi injured, this is the first time since 2007 that Messi and Ronaldo will not feature, losing a bit of star power in the game despite the star players available on both sides with ter Stegen, Coutinho, Suarez, Dembélé, Modrić, Kroos, Varane, Isco, etc. 

Last six league games

Barcelona 2-2 Real Madrid (2017/18)

Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona (2017/18)

Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona (2016/17)

Barcelona 1-1 Real Madrid (2016/17)

Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid (2015/16)

Real Madrid 0-4 Barcelona (2015/16)

Clearly, there's a guarantee of goals with the last goalless draw coming in November 2002. Los Blancos have struggled to get wins at the Camp Nou winning just twice in their ten visits to the Catalan city. Messi, who is usually a menace to Madrid is unavailable with a arm fracture with Suárez having a good record against Madrid scoring five league goals while Madrid's best scorer against Barcelona currently is Karim Benzema with 6. 

Madrid under Lopetegui have been struggling particularly finding the back of the net. Madrid have scored 13 goals in La Liga this season despite taking the most shots with 18.2. Meaning they've struggled to convert their chances with only 7% while Barcelona have a conversion rate twice of Madrid's. With rumours circulating that Lopetegui with be booted out if he fails to get a result, a strong performance is needed for Madrid not only to turn a corner but for Lopetegui to keep his job.

Barcelona also have their issues. The Barça faithful are displeased with Valverde's pragmatic approach and witj Samuel Umtiti unavailable through injury, Pique and Lenglet are their only available centre-backs. Valverde could keep Rafinha in the line-up following his fine performance against Inter in the UCL keeping Dembélé and Malcom out.

Many will still watch El Clasico despite Messi and Ronaldo absent but Barcelona are clearly favourites with Madrid's problems scoring so a likely 2-0 win for the Blaugrana.