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#3 Frenkie de Jong
Ronald Koeman has overseen Barcelona's resurgence ever since the turn of the year, and chief amongst the reasons for that turnaround in fortunes has been the form of Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutchman has been called upon to play as a centre-back as Koeman has switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation. His passing and positional nous have been key reasons why Blaugrana have controlled games, rarely offering their opponents much of a chance recently.
De Jong has marshaled Barca's backline with aplomb, looking ever the veteran in Gerard Pique's absence. Pique may be rushed back for this game, but De Jong ought to retain his spot in the three-man backline. He will need to be at his very best to contain Karim Benzema and keep the ball away from Madrid's imperious midfield.
#2 Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. has frustrated many a Madridista with his profligacy in front of goal for the duration of his Real Madrid career. Yet the Brazilian youngster produced a couple of wonderful finishes against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, surprising many.
It's the right time for Vinicius to find his scoring boots, with the 20-year-old having been involved in four goals in his last four games for Los Blancos. His pace and dribbling will surely trouble Barcelona's defense.
Sergino Dest's forays forwards may be nullified as he aims to keep Vinicius quiet, although that is easier said than done. The Brazilian is maturing with every game he plays, and he could very well be the X-factor that decides this contest.
#1 Lionel Messi
Hardly a surprise, is it?
Many expected Lionel Messi to respond to Barcelona's UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain by simply seeing out the rest of his Barca contract with barely a flicker of interest, but it has been quite the opposite.
Messi looks ever more determined than ever to win La Liga this year, potentially signing off with a domestic double. If this is to be his last ever Clasico, the Argentinian will be keen to sign off on another one of those legendary performances that were de rigueur for his entire career.
However, Casemiro's close attention to him in every Clasico has kept Messi from finding the net in the last seven games against Real Madrid. Yes, the Barca legend will no doubt be influential, but he will definitely want the chance of a final goal celebration.
