France vs South Africa : Tipping the scales with the big men of the forward pack
Rugby![France vs South Africa : Tipping the scales with the big men of the forward pack](https://images.sportsbrief.com/images/320x180/d6c59b19a6ed1c2c.webp?v=1)
Real Madrid enter the Montjuïc clash fully aware that a victory over Barcelona would widen the gap to four points between them and their arch-rivals.
A defeat would allow Xavi Hernández's squad to leapfrog Los Blancos in the LaLiga standings. Although it's still relatively early in the season, the competition at the top is fierce, and early signs point to a tightly contested Spanish title race that could go down to the wire.
The head-to-head performance of Madrid and Barça may ultimately determine the championship's outcome.
Considering the significance of the match and the prestige that accompanies an El Clásico victory, Los Blancos are expected to take the field on Saturday with a lineup that closely resembles their first-choice team. T
France vs South Africa : Tipping the scales with the big men of the forward pack
RugbyThe only notable absences are the two long-term injury-stricken players, Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militao.
In the goalkeeper position, there's no ambiguity about the first-choice. Kepa Arrizabalaga is Carlo Ancelotti's preferred option, ahead of Andriy Lunin and academy player Diego Piñeiro, both of whom will be on the bench in Barcelona.
Regarding the defense, David Alaba has recovered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three league games in September and October. He was rested during the midweek match against Braga. Alaba is set to start in the heart of the defense alongside fellow center-back Antonio Rüdiger, while Dani Carvajal will take on the right-back role.
However, there's a significant question mark at left-back. Carlo Ancelotti faces a choice: will he deploy Eduardo Camavinga, a midfielder he clearly trusts in big games, in the role, or will he opt for Ferland Mendy, a traditional left-back who has struggled to make an impact in the past year?
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FootballFran García is certain to be on the bench, along with Nacho Fernández and Lucas Vázquez.
In the midfield, Madrid is ready to field their top quartet: Aurelien Tchouaméni as the anchorman, with Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos just ahead of the Frenchman, and Jude Bellingham in the most advanced midfield role. Bellingham had a minor groin issue following Tuesday's Champions League victory in Portugal, but he is fit to start and will be tasked with adding to his impressive goal tally.
In Madrid's attacking lineup, Rodrygo Goes will join forces with his compatriot Vinícius Júnior. Rodrygo ended his goal drought in Braga and now has two goals to his name this season. Vinícius, with three goals to his name this term, is set for another intense battle with Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo, often deployed as a right-back to contain the winger.