Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid Combined XI – Ronaldo Returns, But Simeone’s Men Still Have Seven In Derby Team

The hosts outweigh their supposedly superior rivals.

The Madrid derby perhaps doesn’t have as much history as El Clasico, but with Atletico Madrid the reigning La Liga champions their clash with city rivals Real Madrid certainly has more of a competitive edge than it has in the past.

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Los Blancos lead the Spanish champions by seven points at the top of the table currently, but with Atleti having home advantage at the Vicente Calderon Stadium there is no reason they can’t triumph in this one.

Ahead of the clash CaughtOffside has picked out a combined XI of players available to either side and in the best form. See if you agree.

GK – Miguel-Angel Moya, Atletico Madrid

With Thibaut Courtois returning to parent club Chelsea over the summer a new goalkeeper was a priority for head coach Diego Simeone and he signed two. Despite the fact Moya was expected to play second fiddle to Jan Oblak he has proven he is first choice and looks a more reliable prospect that opposite number Iker Casillas.

RB – Juanfran, Atletico Madrid

A tough call at right-back with Daniel Carvajal having made the position his own for Madrid ahead of Alvaro Arbeloa, but with his superior experience and superb form so far this season we have to give it to Juanfran.

CB – Raphael Varane, Real Madrid

With Sergio Ramos injured Varane gets another rare opportunity at centre-back despite the fact many believe the France international is more superior to the two men ahead of him and he gets into our XI ahead of youngster Jose Gimenez.

CB – Diego Godin, Atletico Madrid

Filling our other spot in central defence is a Uruguay international who was hugelu influential as Atletico won the title last term and has been equally as strong this time around and beats Pepe into the team.

LB – Guilherme Siqueira, Atletico Madrid

With Marcelo injured there is no guarantee whether Arbeloa or Fabio Coentrao will start at left-back and although Siqueria initially struggled in the Spanish capital he has started to look a lot stronger in recent times.

CM – Gabi, Atletico Madrid

Is the lynchpin in midfield who will be key to Simeone’s side having success in the derby as in a game in which Madrid are expected to dominate possession Gabi will need to be strong and break up play.

CM – Toni Kroos, Real Madrid

Has been typically classy since sealing a summer switch from Bayern Munich and with Luka Modric missing the German will be relied upon even more than usual to provide creativity from the middle.

RM – Arda Turan, Atletico Madrid

Recently made the papers for the wrong reasons after losing his temper v FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and seemingly throwing his boot at the referee’s assistant, but Carlo Ancelotti will be aware of the serious threat this Turkey international poses down the right flank.

CAM – Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid

Generally played as a left winger for Real Sociedad last campaign, but has settled into the No.10 role for Atleti since his summer switch and has been prolific from a position just behind Mario Mandzukic.

LM – Isco, Real Madrid

Despite there being more prominent names available to Ancelotti in attacking midfield this 22-year-old has continuously proved his worth and is in better form than world record signing Gareth Bale, whilst James Rodriguez is out with a broken foot.

ST – Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Having served a two-match suspension Ronaldo will return for the Madrid derby and is expected to partner Karim Benzema upfront, which when considering the 30-year-old has an astonishing 28 league goals in 18 appearances this season is little surprise.