Rodrygo, Endrick start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid could line up against Barcelona

After falling to a 1-0 defeat in their first pre-season friendly of the US tour, reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid will be aiming to return to winning ways tonight when they face off against arch-enemies Barcelona.

With the UEFA Super Cup clash against Atalanta just around the corner, Real Madrid will be eager to find form and build some rhythm heading into their first official match of the season.

And, a solid performance and victory against their bitter rivals in an El Clasico encounter would be the ideal way to give a boost to their preparations.

Carlo Ancelotti has been boosted by the return of the Brazilian trio of Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Vinicius Jr. to training earlier this week following their vacation after the Copa America.

However, Real Madrid have lost two youngsters, Cesar Palacios and Alvaro Rodriguez, to injuries on the US tour. Meanwhile, big names like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, and Federico Valverde are still on vacation.

Factoring in everything, here’s how Real Madrid could line up against Barcelona later tonight at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois is once again the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid since returning from his ACL injury towards the end of the last season. Andriy Lunin could still get some minutes off the bench, though.

Lucas Vazquez ought to start at right-back again in the absence of Dani Carvajal while Fran Garcia will continue filling in at left-back for Ferland Mendy, who is still not back from vacation.

Meanwhile, Eder Militao should walk into the starting XI at the heart of the defence, at the expense of 16-year-old Joan Martinez, who impressed against AC Milan. Antonio Rudiger will be his partner.

Midfield

With no Aurelien Tchouameni or Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid captain Luka Modric could be set to operate as the holding midfielder against Barcelona, with youngster Mario Martin expected to get minutes off the bench.

Dani Ceballos, who appears set to stay despite there being rumours about a potential exit, ought to occupy one of the remaining two midfield slots in the absence of heavy-hitters like Bellingham and Valverde.

Meanwhile, Arda Guler, who appears to be making a big impression on the staff at Real Madrid, could be handed a start in midfield as the right-interior, with Ancelotti trying him in that position in training this week.

Attack

Endrick made his unofficial debut for Real Madrid against AC Milan earlier in the week but did not have the most productive of outings. Tonight, the teenage wonderkid will get his first taste of a Clasico encounter as he should once again start as the central striker.

Vinicius Jr. has been back only a day with the rest of the squad and is unlikely to be handed a start by Ancelotti. However, his compatriot, Rodrygo, has had an extra day with the team and should start, occupying the left flank.

Birthday boy Brahim Diaz, who turned 25 today, ought to complete the attacking unit starting on the right wing.