El Clasico Preview: Who will gain bragging rights & lead in La Liga title race?

Real Madrid head to Barcelona on Wednesday night in what could be a decisive game in the La Liga title race.

With the two sides locked on 35 points at the top of the table, this game has the added spice of being a potential title decider. It could also end up being vital for the futures of both Ernesto Valverde and Zinedine Zidane.

Kick off: UTC 2019/12/18 19:00

Probable Lineups

Barcelona Team News

Ousmane Dembele is the main loss and is out with a thigh injury.

Arthur is also unavailable. He has missed the last three games and would be very fortunate to make it back in time for Wednesday night.

Jordi Alba should be available once again after injury to start at left-back for Barcelona.

Ivan Rakitic is expected to get another start in midfield after helping to stabilise the side recently.

Sergi Roberto should get the nod ahead of Nelson Semedo at right-back for the hosts.

Real Madrid Team News

Hazard is unlikely to play again in 2019 following a toe injury, likewise, James Rodriguez will also be out until at least the new year.

Ferland Mendy returns from suspension for the visitors and should start at left-back.

Fede Valverde is expected to start in midfield owing to his excellent performances of late.

Gareth Bale could partner Karim Benzema in attack for Zinedine Zidane's men.

Ones to watch

Barcelona: Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is a dominant figure in world football and in this fixture he has been outrageously efficient. In the 41 appearances he has played against Real, Messi has scored 26 times and has also got 14 assists in all competitions.

You know he will always have a say in how important matches turn out but with this one being as vital as it is, don’t be surprised to see Messi turn on the style.

Key stat: Messi has directly contributed to 18 goals in La Liga this season (12 goals and six assists), no player has contributed to more.

Real Madrid: Karim Benzema

The French forward has been reborn this season for Zindane’s side. He is their standout performer, top scorer and top creator.

In fact, they could be out of the title race already if it were not for his clinical edge. The team from the capital have struggled to keep scoring pace with Barcelona this season but Benzema has weighed in with a dozen strikes, 36% of his Madrid’s total league outlay so far.

His late goal against Valencia last time out could prove pivotal at the end of the season.

Key stat: Benzema has scored 12 goals for Real Madrid in La Liga this season, at least nine more than any other Los Blancos player.

Focus

There is a definite trend developing in recent El Clasico encounters that gives Barcelona a strong advantage. They have been dominant for a while over their rivals and will be expecting to continue that trend on Wednesday.

Barca have been scoring more freely than Real in the league this season, hitting 43 goals compared to Madrid’s 33. However they are fragile at the back and have leaked eight more goals with 20 conceded so far.

It should be another full-blooded encounter and one which could decide the title…. in Barcelona‘s favour.

Prediction

Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid