Barcelona v Real Madrid predictions: Battling Blaugrana up for Clasico fight

Free tips, prediction and best bet for Barcelona v Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday.

Where to watch

Premier Sports 1 & La Liga TV, 3.15pm Sunday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 14-5 Betfair

Match preview

Real Madrid have made a stronger start to the season than rivals Barcelona but the Catalan giants can put up more of a fight than expected at the Camp Nou in the first El Clasico of 2021-22.

The summer departure of six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, a shaky start to the La Liga season and heavy Champions League defeats to Bayern Munich and Benfica have made for an unimpressive start from Barca.

But solid home victories over Valencia and Dynamo Kiev, who failed to land a shot on target, in the last week suggests they may have turned a corner.

And they will be determined to prove that against their rivals in a third straight home contest.

Real, though riding high in the La Liga standings, have not been brilliant themselves, demonstrating defensive vulnerability in defeats to Sheriff Tiraspol and Espanyol.

They were weakened significantly at the back over the summer with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane departing and it is clear there are still issues in that part of the pitch.

With both sides eager to avoid another morale-damaging defeat, this could be a cagey contest and a draw looks the way to go.

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