Attack
Gareth Bale – In a somewhat fluid-looking attacking quartet, we find space for £85m man Gareth Bale on the right flank, though of course the supremely talented Welshman would no doubt move around and swap positions with his team-mates here. Often played behind the striker last season for Tottenham, Bale can still cut in onto his superb left foot to good effect from the right, and the world will be watching as the most expensive player in history makes his debut in the biggest derby match in the world.
Neymar – On the opposite side we have Brazilian starlet Neymar, whose transfer to Barcelona was the other major coup of the summer, with the Catalan giants beating a host of Europe’s top clubs to his signature. The 21-year-old has started well at the Nou Camp in this position, with 2 goals and 5 assists so far this season. Much has been asked of his ability to adapt to the biggest stage, and there will be none bigger than this game on Saturday.
Lionel Messi – Deployed just behind the main striker here, Lionel Messi can play the false 9 role to good effect and although he has out-scored Cristiano Ronaldo in recent times, his ability to link play and run at defenders from a deep position mean he is probably best used behind the Real Madrid man. Messi scored 60 goals in 50 games last season, and has 12 in 11 so far this term.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Although not strictly speaking a striker, Cristiano Ronaldo fits in best into this side as the focal point of the attack, as his finishing is surely his greatest strength. The Portuguese super star has an amazing record of 216 goals in 211 appearances for Real Madrid, and is currently ahead of Messi with 15 in 12 games at the start of this campaign.
Real Madrid’s big names slightly out-number Barcelona 6 to 5 in this XI, though Barca’s amazing teamwork may still see them as favourites for this weekend’s clash.