El Clasico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid - Combined XI

For the first time in 11 years, there's going to be a Clasico with neither Messi nor Ronaldo featuring in it. Sounds really strange, but it does little to dampen the atmosphere ahead of the highly anticipated clash.

Both teams have had their fare share of problems this season, stuttering to get off in the league. The Blaugrana have already drawn thrice and lost once, but still find themselves at the top of the table currently. Circumstances, however, are far more grim in the Madrid camp: without a win in the last four games, three of which ended in a defeat, thereby relegating them down to seventh with only 14 points from 9 games.

Julen Lopetegui is walking on eggshells, and another poor result here, is highly likely to get him the sack. Also, the final scoreline would be a testament to how these teams are rebuilding from the early-season wobbles.

Here's how Barcelona and Real Madrid would look in a combined XI sans the 'big two':

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegan

Ter Stegan came up trumps during Barcelona's disappointing run of results

The German hasn't had much success with the clean sheets so far, keeping just two in 9 appearances and conceding 11 already. But it could've been much worse for Barcelona without him, having made 27 saves in the process. So it isn't that he has been poor in goal, but just not given enough cover by an uncharacteristically sloppy Barcelona defence.

Ter Stegan remains a reliable pair of hands and in fact, in the four years since arriving at the Spanish shores, has gone to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers. He has lost out on the Zamora Trophy only to Atletico's Jan Oblak in each of the last two seasons, and has also played crucial role in the trophies picked up in that period.

He wouldn't have much problems dispelling the threats coming to the likes of Bale and Benzema (if any).

Right-back: Sergi Roberto

Roberto looks settled down the right

Roberto continues to be a utility player for the Blaugrana, but this season, he's more often played down the right wingback position and has nailed it so far. The Spaniard is now more inclined towards his defensive duties, trying to squelch attacks from the wings.

However, that doesn't mean his offensive aspect of the game has vanished, for he's made an assist in the league too.

Centre-back: Sergio Ramos

Ramos has been way below his best

The Real Madrid skipper is no man's land right now. Following a torrid World Cup campaign with Spain, Ramos is still having a hard time trying to reclaim his best form. He has been consistently found out of position, thereby leaving acres of space at the back.

Several goals that his team have conceded this season, were by the virtue of the same. However, Ramos has assumed the penalty duties now, and has struck thrice so far from as many attempts in all competitions. He would definitely fancy his chances against Barcelona if an opportunity comes to pass.

Centre-back: Gerard Pique

Pique is getting back to his usual self

Pique's form wasn't much different until recently. But whilst Ramos continues to struggle, Pique is slowly getting back to his best. Just at the right time. He has appeared in all nine league games so far, but has looked solid in the recent games.

The former Spanish international averages over four clearances per game and almost one and a half interceptions. With Samuel Umtiti out injured, he will have to continue his partnership with Clement Lenglet in the Clasico.

Left-back: Jordi Alba

Alba is among the best fullbacks in the world

Choosing between him and Marcelo is always difficult. But with the Brazilian likely to sit out of the clash with another knock, Alba takes his place here. He has continued from where he left off last season, posting more staggering figures this term.

In fact, he has already struck twice and assisted four times in all competitions! His buccaneering runs down the wing has greatly helped Barcelona amp up the attacking pressure, forging a great partnership with Messi down the left. Los Blancos must keep a weather eye on this side of the park.

Right midfielder: Luka Modric

World Cup exertions have taken its toll on Modric

Touted to win this year's Ballon d'Or and break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, Modric has not been the same player since the World Cup concluded. Fatigue maybe a factor, but the Croat is struggling to assert his influence on the game.

He is out of pace and easily beaten to the ball in the midfield. Modric has an assist to show for his efforts, but that can't mask the cracks that have developed in his armor.

Central midfielder: Sergio Busquets

Busquets has kept the juices flowing

Often referred to as Barcelona's heartbeat, Busquets continues to run the show from the midfield. And in the recent Champions League game to Inter Milan, produced an insane skill that had the fans waxing lyrical about him.

His eye for pass and ability to win back possession are as impressive as ever, and his influence from the centre of the park can help orchestrate Barcelona's way to a victory on Sunday.

Left-midfielder: Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho is fast growing into Barcelona's new talisman

The Brazilian sensation has dovetailed to the demands of Spanish football without breaking a sweat. And barely nine months into his Barcelona career, already seems to have become a leading figure on Valverde's teamsheet.

He's netted four and assisted three in just nine starts in all competitions this season, and with Messi on the sidelines for a considerable time, can make an even bigger impact during this spell.

Left winger: Ousmane Dembele

Dembele can make the difference for Barcelona on Sunday

Ernesto Valverde has started to offer Dembele more opportunities this time around, although he has still not nailed his position in the starting XI. But with Messi out injured, he will need more attacking firepower and Dembele is perfectly capable of it.

He has struck thrice already this season and also averages over two key passes per game. The 21-year old links up well with his attacking counterparts too. If started on Sunday, can have a pivotal role in the outcome.

Right winger: Gareth Bale

Bale is still some distance from his best

Given his high-flying start to the campaign of scoring and/or assisting in each of the first four games, Bale was supposedly gearing up to succeed Ronaldo's throne; something that he was touted to do since joining Real Madrid in 2013.

But just like the rest of his team, his form deteriorated too soon after and yet again, succumbed to a fresh bout of injury. He returned for the Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen in the midweek, and looked fairly convincing, assisting Marcelo for a goal too. But to score against Barcelona, he has to bring his A1 game to the fore.

Striker: Luis Suarez

Suarez is recapturing his scoring form

Karim Benzema's atrocious run in front of the net leaves the door ajar for Suarez, who's although been only marginally better. The Uruguayan too has somewhat struggled to find his shooting boots, but has at least made his presence felt up front with four goals and assists each in La Liga.

He ended his six-game goalless streak in the 4-2 defeat of Sevilla last weekend from the spot, and will now look to continue in the same vein in the Clasico, in which he's netted six times and assisted thrice in 11 appearances.