El Clásico Preview 

The return fixture of the largest domestic match in the world takes place on Sunday. Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to the Camp Nou, for another installment in this long and storied rivalry. 

Los Blancos will surely be out to exact a bit of revenge from a 0-3 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the Blaugrana are certain to make life difficult on their Spanish foes in front of up to a Billion viewers.

Enjoy this massive La Liga fixture, as these two clubs always leave everything they have on the pitch for their loyal supporters. With Barca having already captured yet another league title, and the Whites set to play for their third straight Champions League title, this match-up is all about bragging rights as the season comes to an end. 

15828 Barcelona vs. 15829 Real Madrid 

Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain

5-6-2018 - 2:45 pm ET 

The La Liga schedule has finally delivered the second leg of the 2017-2018 version of the El Clásico. Barca will look to sweep the season series, while Real Madrid will attempt to defeat the Blaugrana on their own pitch.

Real Madrid make their annual trip to Barcelona with a motivated squad. Los Blancos were held score-less in front of their home supporters at the end of last year, now with a new found confidence within the side, most would assume to see a more spirited effort. 

Zinedine Zidane was unable to capture back to back La Liga titles, but the French-man has placed his club in a position to win their third straight Champions League trophy. 

Zidane understands the importance of this event more than others, being a former Real Madrid player himself, "Zizou" will encourage his team to give all they have while at the Camp Nou.

The Madrid leader will employ his strongest possible lineup in this particular contest, with Dani Carvajal the only regular to be officially ruled out for Sundays match, the Whites starting eleven will be full of quality and class.

Isco looks set to make his return to the Madrid side, after a short stint on the sidelines with an injury, the Spanish International would provide some additional creativity from his Midfield role.

Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead the line in Real's standard 4-3-1-2 formation, after participating in UEFA league action during the week, the Portuguese must now turn his attention to the largest game in the world. Ronaldo has bagged 42 Goals scored in all competitions, he will will certainly relish the opportunity to add to that total while in Catalan country.

Gareth Bale would seem likely to partner with Ronaldo in the Madrid attack, but after Karim Benzema netted a brace against Bayern Munich, the French striker could also look to join the Welsh-man in the normal rotation.

Tony Kroos, Luca Modric and Casemiro should play huge roles in the overall success of the Los Blancos attack, each will have crucial roles on both sides of the ball, turning defense into offense is a major component of what makes this trio successful, and there should be a concerted effort to continue that same philosophy of play while at the Camp Nou.

The Royal Whites are highly effective in counter attacking situations, always looking to get out and run with effective through balls, this plan of attack seems to always be in play when Los Blancos take to the pitch, expect the visitors to have their track shoes on, as they look to make quick and effective strikes on the Barcelona back-line.

The Real Madrid offense has been highly effectively while away from the Santiago Bernabéu, scoring an average of 2.1 Goals per match, in their last sixteen La Liga away fixtures.

The Los Blancos defense has been challenged to keep clean sheets during their travels, conceding an average of 1.2 Goals per match, in their last sixteen La Liga away fixtures.

Barcelona will look to be less than gracious hosts too their fellow Spanish giants, looking to grab two victories over their Madrid counterparts, the Blaugrana will have a packed house of passionate supporters to help lift them too their ultimate goal.

Ernesto Valverde will now take part in his second El Clásico as manager of Barcelona. After his own experiences as a player during his career, the Spanish head-man now looks to complete the season sweep and remain undefeated domestically during his first campaign in charge.

The home side should also field their strongest possible eleven, with newcomer Philippe Coutinho set to make his first start against Los Blancos in a Barcelona uniform, the former Liverpool man now has the opportunity to create his own legacy as a member of this Barca side.

Lionel Messi will no doubt capture the full attention of the Madrid defenders, while also being the main component in the Blaugrana attack. The Argentine forward is considered the best player in the world, he generally saves his best performances for this specific match-up, with 44 Goals scored in all competitions, he is always great candidate for an Anytime Goal Scorer against the Whites.

Luis Suarez also comes alive while matched up with Los Blancos, partnered with Messi atop Barcelona's 4-4-2  formation, the Uruguayan adds a world class assault that will keep their opponents hands full through-out the 90 minute shift. 

Suarez has quietly racked up 29 Goals in all competitions, he will certainly get plenty of respect from the Madrid defenders, as his creative runs and world class finishing abilities make him a true weapon for the home side.

Andres Iniesta will also play a emotional role on Sunday, the longtime Barca boy is set to make his final contributions in a El Clásico. Iniesta has been dealing with a minor calf injury, but keeping the Spanish International off the pitch at the Camp Nou would seem impossible considering the circumstances, expect an inspired effort from the Barcelona legend.

The Catalan side have changed their style of play this season under Valverde, allowing Messi to have more free range within his system, expect a heavy amount of ball possession with the Blaugrana creating several shots on goal, with a free flowing and creative attack.

Barcelona have spared their opponents no mercy while at the Camp Nou this season, scoring an average of 2.8 Goals per match, in their last sixteen La Liga home fixtures.

Barca have tightened up their defensive efforts while on their own pitch, conceding an average of 4 Goals per match, in their last fourteen La Liga home fixtures.

Prediction:

Barcelona have created a fortress while at the Camp Nou, winning 26 of the last 28 matches played at the famed stadium, giving them the utmost confidence heading into Sunday's event.

The Blaugrana have also experienced an impressive scoring run of form during that span, scoring a minimum of 2 Goals in 26 of the same 28 matches on their own patch during La Liga play.

Real Madrid will have their own positive trends to hang their hats on while making the trip. The Whites have failed to lose in 23 of the last 25 away fixtures domestically, while also scoring 2 plus goals in 13 of the last 16 matches during league competitions. 

These two teams are known for hitting the back of the net when paired together, and this scenario would seem to be the most likely to continue in this return fixture.

Both clubs will create a plethora of shots on goal, giving Keylor Navas and Marc-André ter Stegen a long day at the office between the sticks. We should see plenty of saves, although each team will certainly get one or more goals past these high quality keepers. 

Expect both clubs to hit the back of the net, with Barcelona looking the most likely to leave El Clásico with all three points, and ultimate bragging rights heading into the 2018-2019 campaign.

Tips:

Over  1.5  -115 / 1.87 - Total 1st Half Goals 

Over  3.75  -115 / 1.87 - Total Full Time Goals 

Barcelona  -0.75  -110 / 1.91 - Full Time Spread 

Barcelona - Team Total  Over  2.25  -110 / 1.91 - Goals 

Best Of Luck To All