How Barcelona Should Arrange Their Squad To Beat Real Madrid In The El Clasico

Substitutes:

Paulinho and Dembele

In this kind of intense match, anything can determine the outcome. In fact, any section of the team might play the decisive role, including the bench. Therefore, Barcelona must ensure that they have great quality on the bench to serve as a backup to the first team.

Thomas Vermaelen and Nelson Semedo should be the two defenders on the reserve list. Nelson Semedo can come up for Sergi Roberto at right back if there is any need to take the Spaniard off. In case of any injury to Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto can move to the left flank due to his versatility, while Semedo covers his place on the right. Moreover, Thomas Vermalean should be a high-quality backup to both Gerrard Pique and Samuel Umtiti.

In the middle, Paulinho should be kept as a backup option to any of the three midfielders. The Brazillian has been really impressive his season, with a lot of remarkable performances. In case there is the need for another figure, Sergi Roberto can be shifted here while Nelson Semedo takes his place at right-back.

Paco Alcacer and Ousmane Dembele should also be included on the Barcelona bench. While the former will be a backup option for Luis Suarez, the latter can play on both wings of Barca's attack. He can also be stretched out wide on the right flank in case there is the need for Barcelona to switch to the 4-4-2 formation later in the game.