Barcelona vs Real Madrid lineups: Predicted XIs, confirmed team news, injury latest for El Clasico

There are crucial points on the line for Los Blancos as they aim to keep in touch with a Raphinha-inspired Barcelona, who are already opening up some breathing space atop the Liga table. They are already six points clear of Real, meaning Jose Mourinho’s side have no room for error as they visit the Blaugrana.Injuries are already hampering his campaign, though, with Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo all injured. He will be further shorthanded on Sunday by the absence of Vinicius Junior, who remains suspended after being sent off against Villarreal.He was also hit with a fresh absence today as Thibaut Courtois was struck down with the flu.Those absentees will force him to shuffle the deck. Arda Guler is expected to be deployed in the wide areas, opening a space for Bernardo Silva to fill in at the base of midfield. Vinicius Junior will miss El Clasico as he serves a suspensionGettyYan Diomande takes up the opposite flank with Jude Bellingham in as No10 and Kylian Mbappe leading the line.Elsewhere, the versatile Fede Valverde has been used as an auxiliary right-back and should be used again here, as he was against Leipzig midweek. Marc Cucurella will return in the opposite full-back position.Barcelona also have a number of injuries to contend with. Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia are all due to miss this match, with Jules Kounde a doubt due to an ankle injury. He is not expected to be involved.Read MoreWith the Frenchmen out, it will be Joao Cancelo and Xavi Espart lining up at full-back.There are few surprises expected elsewhere. Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon will take up the wings, with Raphinha starting at striker as he looks to extend his remarkable goalscoring form.Barcelona starting XI: Joan García; Xavi Espart, Cubarsí, Gerard Martin, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri, Fermín López; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, GordonInjured: Olmo, Barghji, Christensen, E. Garcia, KoundeReal Madrid starting XI: Lunin; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bernardo Silva, Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Bellingham, Diomande; MbappéInjured: Courtois, Asencio, Mendy, RodrygoTime and date: 8pm BST on Sunday, October 25How to watch: Premier Sports 1Odds: Barcelona 8/13, Real Madrid 3/1, Draw 4/1 (odds sourced from betting sites UK)We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies.Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.