Barcelona vs Real Madrid - La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

It's a contest that needs no introduction. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been battling it out for Spanish supremacy for decades and the rivalry is renewed this weekend with Barca playing host to the first Clasico of the 2023/24 season.

El Clasico is a fixture that transcends the on-pitch action. It's a rivalry entrenched in cultural and political significance, although both Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti will primarily be concerned with snatching all three points on Saturday.

The two sides are once again expected to duel for the La Liga title this season, with champions Barcelona entering the clash just a point adrift of league leaders Real Madrid.

Both teams have enjoyed productive openings to the season, but Saturday's Clasico will doubtlessly set the tone for how the rest of the 2023/24 campaign plays out at La Liga's summit.

Here's 90min's preview of Saturday's Clasico between Barca and Madrid.

What time does Barcelona vs Real Madrid kick-off?

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
• Date: Saturday 28 October
• Kick-off Time: 15:15 BST / 10:15 ET / 07:15 PT
• Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano
• VAR: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez

Barcelona vs Real Madrid H2H Record (Last Five Games)

• Barcelona: 3 wins
• Real Madrid: 2 wins
• Draws: 0

• Last meeting: Barcelona 0-4 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey) - 5 April 2023

Current form (all competitions)

• Barcelona: WWDWW
• Real Madrid: WDWWW

How to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV and live stream

• WHY ISN'T EL CLASICO AVAILABLE TO WATCH LIVE ON TV IN THE UK

Barcelona team news

The returns of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha to Barcelona's matchday squad are massive boosts, as is the availability of Joao Felix, who picked up a knock in the midweek Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Frenkie de Jong trained in midweek but hasn't been able to prove his fitness to Xavi, and Pedri also does not feature as he continues to recover from yet another hamstring injury. Club captain Sergi Roberto is also absent, leaving Marc-Andre ter Stegen to take up the mantle as on-field skipper.

Barcelona confirmed lineup vs Real Madrid

Barca confirmed lineup vs Madrid (3-5-2): Ter Stegen; Araujo, Martinez, Christensen; Cancelo, Gundogan, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Balde; Joao Felix, Torres.

Subs: Inaki Pena, Kounde, Alonso, Romeu, Casado, Cubarsi, Guiu, Astralaga, Fort, Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Real Madrid team news

There's much less melodrama on the injury front for the visitors, with Jude Bellingham's late substitution against Braga in the Champions League proving to be nothing more than a precautionary measure.

Madrid are only without long-term absentees Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, leaving Kepa to start in goal and Antonio Rudiger to partner David Alaba in the centre of defence.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup vs Barcelona

Madrid confirmed lineup vs Barca (4-3-1-2): Kepa; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Tchouameni, Kroos, Valverde; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.

Subs: Lunin, Pineiro, Nacho, Modric, Camavinga, Joselu, Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, Diaz

Barcelona vs Real Madrid score prediction

These fixtures are never easy to predict, but you have to suspect Barca's injuries could swing the contest in Madrid's favour. Even though the hosts have welcomed several key players back into the matchday squad on Saturday, the likes of Lewandowski and Raphinha are not fit from the off.

Xavi has so far managed pretty well despite the pile up of injuries, with the boss turning to La Masia for mitigation.

However, this Barcelona side are yet to fire at the start of the new season despite their impressive points tally and while Madrid have been forced to grind out a few results, their experienced superstars could get them over the line in a contest of this magnitude.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid

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