The biggest club game in world football takes centre stage on Sunday as Barcelona visit Real Madrid in the season’s first El Clasico.
There will be a plethora of talent on show even though both teams have injury worries heading into the game.
Real Madrid have a two-point advantage over Barca at the summit but the visitors are the defending champions and won all four meetings between the teams last season.
So, how would a combined XI look?
GOALKEEPER
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
This selection would have been harder had Joan Garcia been fit but, in his absence, Courtois is the obvious choice.
The Belgian was impressive against Juventus in midweek and remains one of the first names on the Madrid team-sheet. Will present a sizeable obstacle for Barca.
DEFENCE
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Kounde’s transformation from centre-half to right-back has been a pivotal factor in their recent successes. Strong defensively but always eager to get forward, as shown when he scored the winner against Madrid in last season’s Copa del Rey final.
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Still only 18 years of age, Cubarsi is arguably the best young centre-half in the world. First choice for Barcelona and Spain, he will need to show his renown composure in the white-hot atmosphere when faced with the pace and guile of Kylian Mbappe.
Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
The experienced Brazilian makes a huge difference to Madrid when he is fit. Has struggled with injury problems in recent seasons but has a steadying presence at the back.
Alvaro Carreras (Real Madrid)
Been hugely impressive since joining from Benfica over the summer and nudges out Alejandro Balde for the left-back spot. Doesn’t always receive the best protection from Vinicius Jr but is rarely caught out defensively.
MIDFIELD
Pedri (Barcelona)
He and Frenkie De Jong make Barca tick. Wonderful on the ball with a maturity that defies his age. The complete midfielder who can defend, attack and dictate games. If he plays well on Sunday then Barca will be hard to stop.
Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)
Similar to Pedri in so many ways. Another player who you feel could play in any position on the field and shine. A naturally gifted footballer, the Dutchman has been struggling with a bout of gastroenteritis and boss Hansi Flick will be desperately hoping he is passed fit.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
It couldn’t be anyone else on the right flank, could it? Like Cubarsi, still just 18 years of age and yet a regular for club and country. Scored in three of the four meetings with Madrid last season, proving once again he has no problem in stepping up when it matters. Will give Carreras plenty to think about.
Arda Guler (Real Madrid)
After being given few opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti, the young Turkey star has been a shining light for Xabi Alonso this season. With Jude Bellingham only just back from shoulder surgery, Guler has filled the void with a series of fantastic displays.
Marcus Rashford (Barcelona)
Undoubtedly, the hardest position to fill. Rashford’s inclusion means there is no place for Raphinha, Vinicius Jr or midweek hat-trick hero Fermin Lopez. Rashford deserves the nod, though. The England international has regained his mojo after a miserable couple of seasons at Manchester United and appears back to his best.
STRIKER
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Had an impressive first season at the Bernabeu, ending it with 31 goals in 34 league games, winning him the Pichichi and the European Golden Shoe. Has carried on where he left off this season too, scoring 10 goals in nine La Liga games. Has the pace and trickery to trouble any defence in world football.
