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The most intense rivalry in club football resumes this Saturday as Barcelona host Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in the 245th competitive El Clasico.
Both teams are coming off the back of a defeat in the league, though Barcelona bounced back resoundingly against Ferencvaros in the Champions League, picking up a 5-1 victory.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, continued their downward spiral with another disappointing loss in Europe, this time to Shakhtar Donetsk, going down 3-2 at home. Madrid, however, still haven't lost the Clasico on the road under Zinedine Zidane.
The head-to-head record is evenly balanced with 96 victories for each, with Barcelona the more dominant side in the recent times until Real Madrid won the bragging rights with a 2-0 defeat at the Bernabeu earlier this year.
Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, let's look at how the rivals stack up in an enticing combined XI: (Formation: 4-2-1-3)
Note: Only players available for the clash have been selected.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Combined best XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
From being labeled one of the worst Real Madrid signings to keeping the most clean sheets and also winning the Zamora trophy for conceding the least goals, Courtois has come a long way in the last two years.
The towering Belgian was back to his shot-stopping best in the 2019/20 season, playing an instrumental role in helping Los Blancos win the league title, and has started the new campaign in the same vein.
Possessing an excellent positional sense and the ability to make wonderful reflex saves, Courtois will have to bring his best again on Saturday to keep out the likes of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, and Philippe Coutinho.
Right-back: Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid have some difficulties in this position, with Carvajal out injured, Odriozola on loan to Bayern, and Nacho looking out of depth. This prompted Zidane to play Mendy as a right-back against Shakhtar, and he too had a stinker. However, we've seen better from the Frenchman, and his expansive skill set could see him start here again on Saturday.
Centre-back: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
While it's no secret that Pique is no longer the defensive force he used to be, the 33-year-old continues to have a huge influence on the squad. He brings a wealth of experience and big-game pedigree to the backline, which could prove decisive in the Clasico, a fixture in which he often comes up big for Barcelona.
Centre-back: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Unlike his Clasico rival and compatriot, Sergio Ramos still rules the roost when it comes to defending. He's not just a great leader, but also an excellent reader of the game, turning up at the right place at the right time to deny the opposite sides with crucial blocks and interceptions. Apart from defending, he also brings his penalty-kick prowess.
Left-back: Sergino Dest (Barcelona)
With Jordi Alba still not fully recovered from injury and Marcelo a spent force, Barca's new signing gets the nod here. Sergino Dest filled in for the Spaniard against Ferencvaros and might do so again on Saturday. He showed great attacking intent, driving forward to link up with Fati, though he's got to be wary of his movements against Madrid's marauding wingers.
Defensive midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Ronald Koeman is already getting the best out of many players, including de Jong, whose influence on the side has visibly grown this season. The Dutchman has become the key playmaker, responsible for the circulation of the ball, breaking the opposition's lines, and accelerating the tempo. His wonderful lobbed assist to Fati in midweek showed he can create scoring opportunities too.
Defensive midfielder: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
The likes of Ramos, Benzema, Modric, etc might have taken the most plaudits for last season's title success, but ask any Real Madrid fan, and they'll tell you how Casemiro was the real MVP. His all-round performances — helping the defense with crucial tackles and blocks, and pushing his side forward with incisive through balls and long-range strike — made him the best in his position.
Attacking midfielder: Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
Now in his second spell at Barcelona, the 'Little Magician' is finally weaving his magic. He's been directly involved in four goals from five games and appears more confident than he ever did during his first 18 months at the club. A goal on Saturday would be the icing on the cake.
Left-winger: Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
Following an emphatic breakthrough campaign with Barcelona last season, the 17-year-old wonderkid is touted for bigger things this time, and his bright start so far - four goals from five games in all competitions - clearly show he's well on his way towards achieving them. A goal or two in the upcoming El Clasico would be a further consolidation of his precocious talents.
Striker: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
The new season hasn't seen the best of Benzema yet, who's scored just once in six outings in all competitions so far. However, what better occasion to hit top gear than the Clasico? He isn't a regular scorer in the fixture but has stepped up to the plate when it mattered. With his team currently on a downward spiral, the Frenchman's services are all the more vital.
Right-winger: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
In what could be his final Clasico at the Camp Nou, the skipper would be determined to make a mark, fans or no fans. He hasn't scored against Real Madrid in the last six games though, a dry spell stretching all the way back to April 2018 when Cristiano Ronaldo made his last appearance in the tie. Messi will be hoping to break the duck on Saturday.
