XI expected El Clasico: Real Madrid starters missing due to injury, Pedri's status at Barcelona is in doubt

The third and final Clasico of the season is almost upon us. Barcelona make the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu looking to stay in the La Liga title race, although Real Madrid know a win for themselves will end the chase.

Both teams come into this one with uncertainties about their starting line-up. For Real Madrid, Ferland Mendy is struggling with a muscle overload, and despite being included in Carlo Ancelotti's team, is not expected to start in El Clasico. Both of them Sport and Brand I believe that Eduardo Camavinga will be at left back, with Aurelien Tchouameni in the defensive midfield. Also, the latest publication does not expect Dani Carvajal to be fit, with Lucas Vazquez starting instead.

From a Barcelona perspective, the only question is in the midfield, and who will be the partner of Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong. Marca believe Pedri will start, as he did against Paris Saint-Germain, while Sport believe Andreas Christensen will return to the line-up after missing out in midweek. The rest of the team will almost certainly remain the same.

It promises to be a titanic clash between these two heavyweights. Real Madrid they start as favourites, and rightly so considering their incredible form this season. They could kill the title race with a win, but of Barcelona recent record at the Bernabeu is very good, so I am far from outside of it.