Real Madrid are scheduled to take on arch-rivals FC Barcelona in the final of the Spanish Super Cup at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on Monday.
This is the first El Clasico following the lengthy FIFA World Cup 2022 break and the second of the season. Given that the winner could gain a lot of momentum for what will be a difficult season ahead, it has the potential to be a crucial one.
Due to Lucas Vazquez's ankle injury, Real Madrid's defensive line depth is practically nonexistent, leaving Nacho as the only replacement available for all four positions.
Even though Eduardo Camavinga started against Valencia, Ancelotti will likely start Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, and Luka Modric in the midfield with Aurelien Tchouameni out. The attacking trio of Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, and Karim Benzema will take the helm and seek to build on their prior success.
The match will kick off at 12:00 AM (PST).
Predicted XIs:
Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Luka Modric, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Sergi Roberto, Araujo, Kounde, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Pedri, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski.