El clásico: A Real Madrid player-by-player guide to Zinedine Zidane’s likely starting XI against Barcelona

Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Isco are likely to line up in midfield for the European champions

Cristiano Ronaldo will lead the line for Real as ever (Getty)

The world's biggest football match is back: Real Madrid and Barcelona face off on Saturday and the football world's eyes will be watching.

Real Madrid arrive for el clásico after winning the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi and having recovered from a patchy start to the season. They are still 11 points behind Barcelona in La Liga, however, so they cannot afford to lose – or perhaps even draw – if they are to reignite the Spanish title race.

Zinedine Zidane's first XI has been become predictable of late, so here is a player-by-player guide to who will be likely to line up at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Keylor Navas

The Costa Rican goalkeeper has recovered from the injury that forced him out of the team for more than a month. He is returning to his best form, but now he faces Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The rumours point to Real Madrid signing Athletic Bilbao’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga during the winter transfer window, so the performance of Navas could be crucial to his future.

Dani Carvajal

The Spanish right-back also returns from a recent injury and although the young Achraf Hakimi has played in recent matches, Carvajal’s experience in these kind occasions makes him a certain starter. Zidane’s line-up, with four midfielders, increases Carvajal’s importance in attack as there is no clear right winger.

Raphael Varane

Real Madrid’s No 5 is crucial when he is physically fit – which is not very often – and plays a key role in Zidane’s defence. As a centre-back, the young Frenchman has a really good rapport with Sergio Ramos and the departure of Pepe this summer has confirmed his spot in the first XI.

Sergio Ramos

Spain and Real Madrid’s captain comes to el clásico after lifting the Club World Cup. Although his season has not been up to his usual standards in terms of performance, his importance is this kind of matches against Bareclona is vital, while his goalscoring exploits could play a part – as they did last season.


 Ramos lifted the Fair Play award as well as the Club World Cup 
 (Getty)

Marcelo

The Brazilian left-back is improving and will play an important role against Barcelona. Marcelo is recovering his best form and could be a nightmare for Sergi Roberto and the rest of Barcelona’s defenders when he bombs down the left flank. Young French defender Theo Hernández will wait for his opportunity to impact the game from the bench.

Casemiro

Ahead these four defenders sits Casemiro. The Brazilian defensive midfielder is everyone’s friend, always helping his team-mates and covering defensive spaces. His development has been enormous during the past two years and now he is also capable of distributing with quality.

Toni Kroos

Kroos is Real Madrid's prime creator. Zidane has enormous confidence in him and his ability to make Real’s build-up flow. His connection with Luka Modric is clear for all to see. However, Kroos will also have to be able to press Barcelona’s defenders when they start playing from the back.

Tony Kroos has become a key player (Getty)

Luka Modric

Real Madrid’s No 10 was recently awarded man of the match in the Club World Cup after an brilliant performance. The Croatian’s quality is not in doubt and he is refinding his qualities. He will face his fellow countryman Ivan Rakitic in midfield – they know each other very well by know and it will be an important sub-plot.

Isco

Nicknamed magia (magic) in the dressing room, Isco has that special touch which every team needs. His technical skills create plenty of chances and if he has a good performance, Real’s will have a far better chance of taking all three points. Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale are both in the frame but Isco is favourite to start.

Karim Benzema

The French striker has scored only two goals in La Liga this season. He has been criticised by the Spanish media and by Real Madrid’s notoriously demanding supporters, but Zidane's confidence remains absolute.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Recently winning the Ballon d’Or for the fifth time in his career, Ronaldo tends to thrive in these encounters – and he will want to show why he was named ahead of his old rival Messi as the best player in the world.