How we think the two sides will start at the Calderon.
It’s one of the biggest football matches in the world at the Vicente Calderon Stadium as reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid host current table toppers and city rivals Real Madrid in the derby.
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Here is how CaughtOffside expects the two teams to lineup in the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK – Miguel Angel Moya
Arrived at Atleti knowing he had to compete with Jan Oblak to be Thibaut Courtois’ successor, but has since established himself as first choice with some impressive performances.
RB – Juanfran
Is arguably among the best right-backs in world football currently and looks supremely confident.
CB – Jose Gimenez
Miranda may be back to full fitness now, but this young Uruguayan has been in fine form in his absence and we expect Diego Simeone to stick with youth.
CB – Diego Godin
The experienced centre-back is the ideal defensive partner for fellow countryman Gimenez and will need to be sharp up against a strong Madrid attack.
LB – Guilherme Siqueira
Struggled initially to get ahead of Cristian Ansaldi in the starting XI, but looks a lot more comfortable now.
CM – Gabi
The captain is a real enforcer in the middle and will be looking to stifle Toni Kroos’ creativity.
CM – Tiago
A veteran midfielder and another who will have to be patient with Los Blancos expected to dominate possession.
RW- Arda Turan
Showed against FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey that he has an angry streak and the capability to lose control, but Turan will still pose a significant attacking threat to the visitors.
CAM – Antoine Griezmann
Signed as a winger from Real Sociedad the France international has developed into a classy No.10 since the move.
LW – Koke
Recently played his 200th game for Atletico – an impressive feat for a 23-year-old – and is also a firm fixture in the Spain national team now as well.
ST – Mario Mandzukic
Fernando Torres has been in decent touch since his return to his boyhood club, but in this game we expect Simeone to stick with Mandzukic upfront.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)
GK – Iker Casillas
After sharing time on the pitch with Diego Lopez last season this time around the captain has managed to assert himself ahead of Keylor Navas.
RB – Daniel Carvajal
Took a little time in 2013/14 to get ahead of Alvaro Arbeloa at right-back, but the Spaniard is now the preferred choice for Carlo Ancelotti.
CB – Raphael Varane
With no Pepe or Sergio Ramos due to injury it will be a great opportunity for Varane to show why he should be in the starting XI more consistently.
CB – Nacho
It will also be a rare opportunity for this youngster to start and Atleti may view him as the weak link.
LB – Fabio Coentrao
The selection problems don’t end there for Ancelotti who is expected to name Coentrao ahead of Arbeloa in Marcelo’s absence.
CM – Sami Khedira
With Luka Modric also injured we expect Khedira to be preferred to Asier Illarramendi for his superior physical presence.
CM – Toni Kroos
The 2014 World Cup winner will need to be the creative force alongside his fellow countryman in the absence of Modric.
RW – Gareth Bale
Is still getting crticism in Spain despite his decent form since a world record transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 and remains a serious threat.
CAM – Isco
James Rodriguez has been ruled out for two months with a broken metatarsal and this will give Isco the opportunity to pull the creative strings in the No.10 role.
LW – Cristiano Ronaldo
After serving a two-match suspension the current Ballon d’Or holder will return to his usual spot out on the left flank and will be wanting to add to his 28 league goals in 2014/15.
ST – Karim Benzema
Javier Hernandez has failed to make the desired impact during a loan spell from Manchester United and Benzema remains the preferred No.9.