Prepare for the cliché, but it's never a friendly when these two Spanish giants meet.
It's El Clasico time in the States as Barcelona face off against Real Madrid at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday evening.
We've seen a new look Los Blancos this summer with manager Carlo Ancelotti changing tack in the wake of Karim Benzema's exit. There have been teething problems with the Italian's midfield diamond, but Real have nonetheless won both of their pre-season encounters so far - overcoming Man Utd 2-0 in their most recent outing.
On the contrary, Barcelona's summer was disrupted by a bout of viral gastroenteritis which postponed their clash against Juventus and their rustiness was on full display against Arsenal. The Gunners, who are four games deep into their pre-season, beat Xavi's side 5-3 in Los Angeles.
Here's our preview of the upcoming pre-season Clasico in Texas.
Where are Barcelona vs Real Madrid playing?
- Location: Arlington, United States
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium
- Date: Saturday 29 July
- Kick-off Time: 22:00 BST / 17:00 ET / 14:00 PT
Barcelona vs Real Madrid H2H record (Last Five Games)
- Barcelona: 3 wins
- Real Madrid: 2 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last meeting: Barcelona 0-4 Real Madrid (5 April 2023 - Copa del Rey)
How to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid on TV and live stream
Barcelona team news
Despite his squad being ravaged by illness at the start of their tour, Xavi was able to field 23 players in their defeat to Arsenal.
Alejandro Balde surprisingly earned minutes when it was thought an ankle injury would keep him out of action, while Jules Kounde, a doubt for Wednesday's game, played the second half. Both players could start against Real.
Inigo Martinez is likely to miss out due to injury, but that should be Xavi's only notable absence.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; De Jong, Pedri, Gundogan; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.
Real Madrid team news
Ancelotti has been experimenting with a midfield diamond this summer following Benzema's departure and the Italian will likely stick with this system against Barça.
However, the boss will likely rotate his pack from the 2-0 victory over Man Utd. Eder Militao, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Ferland Mendy and Joselu could all earn starts in the summer Clasico.
Arda Guler is also in contention to make his Los Blancos debut after missing the first two games of the tour due to a leg injury.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona
(4-1-2-1-2): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy; Kroos; Valverde, Bellingham; Diaz; Joselu, Vinicius Jr.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid score prediction
Goals have been the theme this summer, and a similarly entertaining contest is surely in store on Saturday. Barcelona are behind Real in their pre-season preparations, and Los Blancos should have the upper hand in the upcoming duel.
Ancelotti's men impressed against Man Utd, while Barça's first outing of the summer against Arsenal seemed to be all about getting everybody a game and building fitness.
We should see an improved Barça in the Clasico, but Real should be favoured.
Prediction: Barcelona 2-3 Real Madrid
This article was originally published on 90min as Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Pre-season friendly: TV channel, team news, lineups & prediction.
