6 matches you can't miss this matchweek (October 27th-28th)

#4 Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid v Viktoria Plzen - UEFA Champions League Group G

El Clasico is a game that usually needs no introduction but this year it arrives with an intriguing caveat: neither Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo will be featuring.

The last time that happened was in December 2007. Since then, this game has often been defined by their brilliance. Their rivalry added yet another layer to the fixture, as if it needed any more.

This is a bigger game for Real Madrid than it is for Barcelona. Manager Julen Lopetegui may already be a dead man walking following defeats to Alaves, CSKA Moscow and Levante, but he’ll have hope that a triumph at the Camp Nou will buy him some more time.

A lack of goals and a creaky defence has hindered Madrid in recent months. While Messi’s absence will be a boost, they still have to cope with the treats of Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele. A clean sheet might be a minor miracle.

As for Barcelona, a 2-0 win over Inter in midweek would have allayed fears that they’d struggle without Messi. Suarez is rediscovering his best form after a dodgy start, while the rest of the team remains settled.

A key performer in recent games has been Brazilian midfielder Arthur. His play has been reminiscent of Xavi Hernandez, and he could really turn some heads on Sunday if he wins the midfield battle against Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.