Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is considering a change at left-back for the home La Liga meeting with Real Madrid, with Alejandro Balde potentially preferred to Joao Cancelo.
Barcelona go into the match as favourites, although Real Madrid’s recent form means Flick’s side are not expecting an easy contest.
A key selection issue is how to deal with Arda Guler, who impressed on the right side of Real Madrid’s attack against RB Leipzig in the Champions League. A defender pushing too far forward could leave space for the Turkey international to exploit.
Joao Cancelo’s attacking involvement offers Barcelona valuable options going forward, but the Portugal international would also need defensive cover. Real Madrid have the pace and quality to take advantage of any gaps created by those forward runs.
That could lead Flick to select a more defensively disciplined option on the left. Alejandro Balde is viewed as a possible choice because he is more focused on maintaining his defensive position than Cancelo.
Whoever starts will still require support from team-mates to limit Guler’s influence. The tactical and selection questions have been highlighted by El Nacional.
Balde has made only two appearances for Barcelona this season. Although he came on as a substitute during the away match against Paris Saint-Germain, naming him in the starting line-up for El Clasico would represent a surprise.