Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Combined XI

both the Spanish heavyweights haven't had an ideal start to the season — oth the Spanish heavyweights haven't had an ideal start to the season

Left winger: Philippe Coutinho

He has still played well this season, scoring three goals, and assisting one

With Messi out injured, the onus of making things happen in the final third for Barcelona will fall to Coutinho.

The 26-year-old is, without a doubt, a brilliant playmaker, but there is a feeling among fans that he is yet to justify his humongous £142 million transfer fee. He has still played well this season, scoring three goals and assisting one.

He'll relish the opportunity to go up against an unsettled Real Madrid defence at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

Striker: Luis Suarez

Suarez showed glimpses of what he can still offer this week against Milan

There have been concerns about Luis Suarez's age and performances this season, but this week against Milan, he showed glimpses of what he can still offer.

It was the 31-year-old Uruguayan at his vintage best. He tormented the Italians' midfield and defence the entire night and played an inch-perfect ball into the box to set up Rafinha's opener.

Karim Benzema scored four goals in the first three matches of the season, and there was brief hope among the fans that he might take up Ronaldo's mantle. But he hasn't netted since then, and Suarez gets in thanks to his current form.

Right winger: Gareth Bale

Lopetegui desperately needs Bale to step up to the challenge against Barca

Like Benzema, Bale started the season on a high but has failed to impress since. He is, however, still Real Madrid's go-to man after Ronaldo's departure.

He has three goals and two assists in LaLiga so far this season. He's been used as both a traditional winger and as part of a front two alongside Benzema. It remains to be seen where he will be utilised on Sunday.

Lopetegui desperately needs Bale to step up to the challenge against Barca. He will be the focal point around which Real's attack will revolve, and it'll be the perfect time for him to get back among the goals.