Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Mourinho Considers Valverde at Right-Back for El Clásico
José Mourinho is reportedly preparing a tactical reshuffle for Real Madrid’s high-stakes LaLiga meeting with Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, October 26. The predicted lineup features Federico Valverde at right-back and Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, as Madrid look to withstand Barcelona’s pressure and create opportunities on the counterattack.
According to Marca, the possible changes reflect a plan built around energy, versatility and quick transitions. With both teams facing a crucial fixture, the football prediction for this Clásico is difficult to separate from the tactical battle: Madrid must defend with discipline while making the most of the pace and creativity in their forward line.
Valverde Could Fill a Key Defensive Role
Valverde is expected to start on the right side of defence, despite being more familiar with a midfield role. The Uruguayan has reportedly performed well there in Madrid’s last two matches, offering the work rate to track runners and the speed to recover when Barcelona break into space.
His selection could also give Madrid an attacking outlet. Valverde is comfortable carrying the ball forward, and his stamina may allow him to support the right flank without leaving the defence exposed for long periods. Against a Barcelona side likely to press aggressively, that combination of defensive coverage and forward drive could prove valuable.
At the back, Thibaut Courtois is tipped to start in goal behind a defensive unit of Ibrahima Konaté, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella. The reported arrangement would give Madrid several options for playing out from pressure, while Valverde’s movement could help them move the ball quickly into midfield.
Camavinga’s Energy Could Help Madrid Escape the Press
Camavinga is another notable inclusion in the predicted XI. After a relatively quiet start to the campaign, the French midfielder may be handed a central role alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni in a double pivot.
The pairing would give Madrid a blend of defensive protection and mobility. Tchouaméni can help shield the back line and disrupt Barcelona’s attacks, while Camavinga’s dribbling and acceleration could be used to carry the ball beyond the first line of pressure. If Barcelona commit players forward, those forward runs may create the space Madrid need to launch a counter.
Camavinga’s role would not be limited to winning possession. He could also be asked to turn defensive recoveries into attacking moves, connecting with Jude Bellingham and the wide players before Barcelona have time to reorganise. That ability to switch quickly from defence to attack may be central to Mourinho’s approach.
Vinícius Júnior’s Suspension Forces an Attacking Change
Madrid will reportedly have to rethink their forward line because Vinícius Júnior is suspended. Diomande is expected to take up the left-wing position after a strong recent run of form, which included a goal against Leipzig. His performance has strengthened his case for a starting place in one of the season’s biggest fixtures.
Arda Güler is tipped to start on the opposite flank, with the freedom to move inside and contribute to Madrid’s build-up. That movement could give the team an extra creative presence in central areas, particularly when Valverde or another defender advances along the outside. Güler’s positioning may also help Madrid retain possession when a direct counter is not available.
Bellingham is expected to operate between the midfield and attack, supporting Kylian Mbappé as the central striker. His ability to arrive in the box, link play and press opponents could make him an important connector in a side that may need to alternate between patient possession and rapid breaks.
What the Predicted Lineup Says About Madrid’s Game Plan
The reported team suggests Madrid may prioritise compact defending and quick forward movement rather than trying to dominate every phase of the match. Barcelona’s home advantage and pressing intensity could make controlled build-up difficult, so Madrid will need reliable passing options and players capable of carrying the ball through tight spaces.
Valverde and Camavinga could be especially important in that regard. Both offer the athleticism to cover ground, but they also provide different ways to advance possession: Valverde from the right side and Camavinga through the centre. Their contributions could help Madrid avoid becoming pinned back for extended spells.
There are risks, too. A makeshift right-back can be targeted if Barcelona overload that side, while committing midfielders forward may leave gaps for the hosts to exploit. Madrid’s defensive shape will therefore depend on coordinated movement, with the midfielders and wide attackers expected to help protect the flanks when possession is lost.
Real Madrid’s Probable Starting XI
Courtois; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappé.
This remains a predicted lineup rather than a confirmed team sheet, and final selections could change before kick-off. Still, the potential inclusion of Valverde at right-back and Camavinga in midfield points to a clear tactical emphasis: use athleticism to resist Barcelona’s press, then attack quickly through a flexible front four. For supporters following the latest football prediction and team news, those two decisions may be among the most significant talking points ahead of El Clásico.
