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Team news: Zidane not expected to start James against Barcelona

The Colombian playmaker will not make it into the Starting XI, according to COPE.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

James Rodríguez performed very well for Colombia during this FIFA break but Zidane will not include him in Real Madrid's Starting XI against Barcelona, according to COPE. James has been in and out of Real's lineup throughout the entire season and has lacked some consistency.

If this report is accurate, Casemiro and Isco are fighting for one starting spot alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Real Madrid's gameplan would change dramatically depending on Zidane's decision but Casemiro appears to have the edge over Isco if the latest reports from Spain are accurate.

James Rodríguez delivered some controversial quotes after his good performance with Colombia, saying that he performs well for his national team "because has everyone's support," adding that it's also because he gets the minutes he needs. Zidane shared his thoughts on those quotes during his pre-match press conference, indicating that the whole club "supports James" and his words were "normal considering that nobody likes to stay on the bench."

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