Vinicius Junior to Start? | 4-1-2-1-2 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Against FC Barcelona

Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final at the Estadio de La Cartuja. Entering the final, Real Madrid have struggled this season, sitting four points behind Barcelona in La Liga and having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, making the Copa Del Rey their last chance for a major trophy this season.

Real Madrid qualified for the final by defeating Real Sociedad in the semi-finals. Historically, in the last 89 meetings between the two clubs, Barcelona have won 41 times, Real Madrid have won 27 times, and there have been 21 draws, with Barcelona holding a goal difference advantage of 162-125. Real Madrid will be without injured players Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland Mendy for the final.

Thibaut Courtois is predicted to start in goal for Real Madrid. Due to injuries, Federico Valverde is expected to play at right-back, offering energy and versatility but representing a defensive gamble. The centre-back pairing is likely to be Antonio Rüdiger, providing grit and experience, alongside the young Raúl Asencio, who has stepped up amid injuries. Fran García is predicted to start at left-back, bringing pace and attacking flair but needing to be sharp defensively against Barcelona's forwards.

The probable midfield trio consists of Aurélien Tchouameni, Luka Modrić, and Eduardo Camavinga. Tchouameni is expected to play a deep-lying role, breaking up play and shielding the defence, with his discipline crucial against Barcelona's transitions. Modrić, despite being 39, is anticipated to dictate the tempo with his vision and passing. Camavinga's dynamism will provide box-to-box energy, pressing high and driving forward. This midfield aims to balance steel and silk, needing to control possession and avoid being overrun.

Real Madrid's predicted attack features Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé. Bellingham is expected to play just behind the strikers, contributing goals, grit, and flair. Vinícius Júnior, on the left wing, is seen as a major threat with his pace and trickery. Mbappé, as the central striker, is described as a lethal finisher eager to prove himself. This attack possesses significant speed and skill to exploit defensive lapses but needs clinical finishing against Barcelona's high defensive line.