Mighty Martin Braithwaite in Line to Start for Barcelona in Sunday's Clasico

Barcelona's new arrival Martin Braithwaite is poised to start for the Catalan giants in this weekend's Clasico, with the striker operating as the third forward in his side's recent practice match during training.

After recently completing his controversial move to Camp Nou, the 28-year-old made his debut as he came off the bench during Barcelona's 5-0 win over Eibar last time out in the league. 

While Lionel Messi once again grabbed the headlines for his four goals, Braithwaite was impressive after coming on, and was heavily involved in the last two goals. 

The Denmark international was forced to miss ​Barça's recent 1-1 draw with Napoli as he is not eligible to play in the Champions League. However, they next take on Real Madrid on Sunday and there are question marks surrounding the team Quique Setien will opt to select. 

​AS are reporting that Braithwaite is the most likely option to start for La Blaugrana alongside Messi and Antoine Griezmann. This is because during a practice match in training on Friday, he was the man to play in the attacking lineup alongside ​Messi and Griezmann.

The report notes that Setien, of course, opted to try a number of different formations and lineups. But equally, the 61-year-old was seen working very closely with Braithwaite, correcting his position and looking to help give advice. 

It remains to be seen whether the former Leganes man will line up for La Blaugrana at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, but AS state that Setien is 'aware' that he will select the player, which is why the manager has been seen instructing him and preparing him during training.

Moreover, Setien could look to set up his team in a similar way to how ​Manchester City did when they recently overcame ​Real Madrid in the Champions League. Pep Guardiola opted not to deploy a centre-forward despite starting Gabriel Jesus, instead operating with a false nine. 

The Manchester-based side caused numerous problems throughout and although they conceded first, they went on to secure a 2-1 first leg victory. 

Considering Braithwaite's intelligence to pick up pockets of space, AS note that Setien 'could' look to take a similar approach. 

La Blaugrana currently sit two points clear of their rivals at the top of La Liga and, as a result, the importance of a result for both sides cannot be understated.