The biggest club match in world football will take center stage on Sunday as Barcelona visit Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season.
There will be a plethora of talent present even if both teams have injury concerns heading into the match.
Real Madrid are two points clear of Barca at the top, but the visitors are the reigning champions and won all four meetings between the teams last season.
So what would a combined XI look like?
GOALKEEPER
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
This selection would have been more difficult if Joan Garcia had been fit but, in her absence, Courtois is the obvious choice.
The Belgian was impressive against Juventus in midweek and remains one of the first names on the Madrid scoresheet. Will present a major obstacle for Barça.
DEFENSE
Jules Koundé (Barcelona)
Koundé’s transformation from center back to right back has been a crucial factor in their recent successes. Strong defensively but always eager to get forward, as his winning goal against Madrid in last season’s Copa del Rey final showed.
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
At just 18 years old, Cubarsi is arguably the best young central defender in the world. First choice for Barcelona and Spain, he will have to show his composure in a hot atmosphere facing the pace and cunning of Kylian Mbappe.
Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
The experienced Brazilian makes a huge difference to Madrid when fit. Has struggled with injury issues in recent seasons, but has a steady presence at the back.
Alvaro Carreras (Real Madrid)
Has been hugely impressive since arriving from Benfica over the summer and is pushing for Alejandro Balde for the left-back position. Does not always receive the best protection from Vinicius Jr but is rarely found wanting defensively.
MIDDLE FIELD
Pedri (Barcelona)
He and Frenkie De Jong make Barça vibrate. Wonderful on the ball with a maturity that defies his age. The complete midfielder who knows how to defend, attack and dictate matches. If he plays well on Sunday, it will be difficult to stop Barça.
Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona)
Similar to Pedri in many ways. Another player you think could play any position on the field and shine. A naturally gifted footballer, the Dutchman is battling gastroenteritis and boss Hansi Flick is desperate to see him fit again.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
It couldn’t have been anyone else on the right flank, could it? Like Cubarsi, who is only 18 years old and yet a regular for the club and the country. Scored in three of four meetings with Madrid last season, proving once again that he has no problem stepping up when it counts. This will give Carreras something to think about.
Arda Guler (Real Madrid)
After getting few opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti, the young Turkish star has been a shining light for Xabi Alonso this season. With Jude Bellingham just returning from shoulder surgery, Guler has filled the void with a series of fantastic displays.
Marcus Rashford (Barcelona)
Without a doubt the most difficult position to fill. Rashford’s inclusion means there is no room for Raphinha, Vinicius Jr or midweek hat-trick hero Fermin Lopez. Rashford deserves the nod, though. The England international has found his spirits after a miserable few seasons at Manchester United and looks to be back to his best.
STRIKER
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
He had an impressive debut season at the Bernabeu, finishing it with 31 goals in 34 league matches, earning him the Pichichi and the European Golden Boot. He also continued where he left off this season, scoring 10 goals in nine La Liga matches. Has the pace and trickery to disrupt any defense in world football.
