Sat Oct 26 10:57:52 UTC 2024: **Summary of the News Article:**
– Real Madrid is set to face Barcelona in the first El Clásico of the 2024–25 season, which is crucial for both the rivalry and the La Liga standings.
– Real Madrid trails Barcelona by three points and could take the lead with a win.
– The team is facing injury challenges, with Rodrygo and Thibaut Courtois sidelined due to thigh injuries, while Dani Carvajal and David Alaba are also unavailable.
– Manager Carlo Ancelotti must consider his formation and lineup without key players.
**Proposed Lineup Against Barcelona:**
– **GK:** Andriy Lunin (replacing injured Courtois)
– **RB:** Lucas Vázquez (needs to improve defensively)
– **CB:** Éder Militão (tasked with marking top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski)
– **CB:** Antonio Rüdiger (also a target on set pieces)
– **LB:** Ferland Mendy (to face Lamine Yamal)
– **RM:** Federico Valverde (set for a consecutive start)
– **CM:** Aurélien Tchouaméni (expected to start after limited minutes)
– **CM:** Luka Modrić (could start in a 4-4-2 formation)
– **LM:** Jude Bellingham (scored against Barcelona last season, seeking first goal this season)
– **ST:** Kylian Mbappé (predicted to score his ninth goal in El Clásico)
– **ST:** Vinícius Júnior (looking to maintain momentum after a recent hat trick)
– The article emphasizes the significance of the match and provides insights into the players and strategies Real Madrid may employ against Barcelona.