5 reasons why Barcelona will struggle against Real Madrid tonight

#3 Barcelona's injury woes

SL Benfica v FC Barcelona: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Barcelona have some major injury problems heading into the first El Clasico of the season. Jordi Alba is the latest arrival in the nursing room. He suffered a foot injury in the game against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.

They are reportedly set to be without as many as six players for the game against Real Madrid. Martin Braithwaite and Ronald Araujo are sidelined for a while. Pedri, Ousmane Dembele and Moussa Wague are the other players who are unavailable for the game.

The Catalans will need to rely on young Gavi to start in midfield tonight. There are only very few players in Barcelona's potential lineup who have prior El Clasico experience.

#2 Barcelona have lost every single match against strong oppositions so far

Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - La Liga Santander

Barcelona have fared poorly in every single high-profile encounter of theirs so far this season. They were beaten comprehensively in their first two Champions League fixtures of the season.

Barcelona conceded 3-0 losses to Bayern Munich and Benfica. The loss against Bayern Munich happened at the Camp Nou and the loss against Benfica was on the road. They also fell to Atletico Madrid by a 2-0 scoreline.

Their record in big matches does not inspire any confidence and worse yet, their seems to be a serious lack of leadership on the field. If they kick on in the same vein, they will suffer against Real Madrid tonight.

#1 Real Madrid's attackers could pose a lot of problems for Barcelona

Real Madrid v Granada CF - La Liga Santander

Real Madrid were dealt a major blow with Karim Benzema ruled to be a doubt for the game. However, the latest reports suggest that the Frenchman is all set to play tonight. Benzema has been in sublime form this season, scoring 11 goals and provided eight assists in 11 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid.

Vinicius Jr. scored a stunning solo goal in the 5-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk and the Brazilian has been exceptional in the new season as well. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals and racked up five assists in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this term.

Eden Hazard will be on the bench and even in the absence of Gareth Bale, the Real Madrid attack looks potent. The Barcelona defence will need to be on high-alerts tonight.