The El Clasico returns this week in Spain with the top of the table clash between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Whites are behind their arch rivals in the Spanish La Liga and they must ensure that they do not lose on Sunday, if not, their chances of winning the league would reduce drastically. My recommended betting pick for this game is an Real Madrid win or draw. Here's why;

Firstly, Barcelona has been papering over the cracks with their defensive efforts and they have not been great in front of goal with very narrow wins being the majority of Barcelona's results. They are without Pedro Gonzalez and Ousmane Dembele for this clash and since both players picked up injuries, FC Barcelona has seen their creativity go down by more than 50%. Real Madrid welcomed back Karim Benzema and Aurelien Tchouameni, who was absent from the previous El Clasico. Barcelona's squad is very thin right now and I think Real Madrid should be winning this comfortably or we see another draw at the Camp Nou.

Secondly, FC Barcelona has a good lead over Real Madrid in terms of points and they would be more conservative heading into this game, unlike Real Madrid who is desperate to cut the lead at the top. Xavi Hernandez's team would prefer a draw and Real Madrid could hunt them down when they play conservative football. Real Madrid has also not lost a game at the Spotify Camp Nou since 2018 and I see them continuing that streak on Sunday. Last season Real Madrid beat Barcelona here and they have been very successful on enemy grounds this season. I think FC Barcelona would sit back and hope for a draw or a lucky win, this could be just the game Madrid needs to beat the Catalans.

This Sunday's El Clasico is going to be very crucial in the Spanish La Liga title race and Real Madrid always brings their best football when they need to win. They also play at a place they have not lost since 2018. I am confident the Whites can get a win or draw against FC Barcelona.