Real Madrid
Keylor Navas: To be fair to Navas, he is a rather under-rated shot-stopper. Recently, AS English compiled a great graphic comparing the 29-year-old with the highly spoken of- David De Gea. The stats tell a story of a custodian who has been a reliable last line of defence and although he is right to be wary of MSN, he might just frustrate them for long enough to give his side some hope.
Marcelo: There has been talk of Madrid signing Watford's Miguel Layun in recent times as Zinedine Zidane's men are short on cover in the left back department, but for now they will have to push on with what make-shift back-ups they have.
Undoubtedly, Marcelo has been one of their best attacking threats this season, but he could get found out if he neglects to track back and defend. He’s a Jekyll & Hyde player, but Marcelo is a must if Madrid want to win.
Sergio Ramos: A back injury cut Ramos' Spain sojourn short, but he is expected to be fit in time for this showdown. If he isn't, Nacho ought to take his place. The Madrid captain will have his work cut out arresting the foraging flourishes of Barca's attacks and if he does start he might not even be at 100 percent, and that could be a problem for the visitors.
Sure, they'll need their leader, but at what cost?
Pepe: There's a case to be made for selecting anybody else aside from Pepe for such a gargantuan contest, but it's hard to imagine Zizou going too crazy with a formation uncharacteristically left of field. With five league bookings to his name already this season, he has the propensity for a rash challenge and that could come back to haunt him against some fleet-footed opponents.
That said, he provides mettle and bite – two elements Madrid will need in spades.
Danilo: There really isn't much to split Carvajal and his fellow right back Danilo, but if Zizou really ponders this choice, it's the Brazilian who should get the nod. A superior defender to his team-mate, he isn't afraid of throwing in the odd well-timed challenge and, while he can get forward to whip in teasing crosses, his naturally defensive mentality could be a key strength in nullifying Barca's possession monopoly.
