The Spanish Super Cup kicks off with the El Clasico this Wednesday as Barcelona and Real Madrid square off in Saudi Arabia. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Real Madrid recently secured their fourth straight win against the Catalans with a 2-1 win when both sides clashed at the Nou Camp in October. Would we see Xavi break the jinx in his first El Clasico as the Barcelona boss ?
Los Blancos keen on continuing El Clasico dominance
Barcelona are pretty much out of the title race but could still secure a place in the top four for a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season. They could only drop points in the most recent game against Granada, however, as Puertas netted a late equalizer against 10-man Barcelona to cancel out Luuk de Jong's opener. Still and all, they head into this game unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions and could very much use a piece of silverware to boost their confidence as they look to salvage what is a disappointing campaign by their standards.
, Unlike their opponents, Real Madrid didn't put any foot wrong in their match against Valencia over the weekend as they went on to put four past their opponents. Benzema joined Di Stefano, Raul and Cristiano Ronaldo to become the fourth player to score 300 goals for Real Madrid with his 22nd goal this season. This was a much-needed win as it was one for them to get back to winning ways following their shock loss to Getafe and although second-placed Sevilla has a game in hand, Ancelotti's troops still lead the way at the summit of the standings with five points.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Team News
Barcelona possible starting XI:
Ter Stegen; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Gonzalez, Busquets, Gavi; Dembele, De Jong, Depay
Real Madrid possible starting XI:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Mendy; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Jr
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Prediction: 1-2
Although Barcelona possesses some quality of their own, they wouldn't be able to measure up against Ancelotti's free-scoring troops who should do just enough for a place in the final this weekend.