Coral’s combined El Clasico XI: Who made our in-form line-up?

Marcelo – left back (Real Madrid)
Real have been leaky in defence this term, having let in 13 from 14 in all competitions, but Brazilian Marcelo has been more potent in attack, helping the capital club by setting up five goals. Barca’s Jordi Alba is arguably the better all-round player, but has helped out with just one assist, and missed two of his side’s last three La Liga games.

Ivan Rakitic – centre midfield (Barcelona)
The first of two Croatians in this XI, Rakitic has thrived in the Barcelona team this term, and look a great replacement for the ageing Xavi. A new signing this summer, the 26-year-old has featured in all but two matches this season in all competitions, and has netted two plus made an assist. He has certainly helped forward players like Lionel Messi and Neymar thrive.

Toni Kroos – centre midfield (Real Madrid)
Another player readying himself for his first El Clasico is World Cup-winner Kroos. The German has featured in every game for Real this season so far and has helped Madrid out by getting five assists, including for Karim Benzema’s looping header against Liverpool in the Champions League. Kroos is set to be a key protagonist for his teammates here again.

Luka Modric – centre midfield (Real Madrid)
The diminutive Croatian has highly impressed since his move to Spain from Spurs in 2012. He has become a key and regular player for Real, mainly playing further back, and has still managed to score once and create three others this term so far in all competitions.

Lionel Messi – forward (Barcelona)
With nine goals in 11 appearances for Barca this season, those stats could be classed as below average in terms of the Argentine’s stellar career. However, they are still incredible figures, that has been backed up by a total of 11 assists as well. Messi has scored four in his last three La Liga games, and makes this side ahead of the injured Gareth Bale, returning Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez, who is unlucky to miss out.

Cristiano Ronaldo – forward (Real Madrid)
Undoubtedly the star of this XI, superstar forward Ronaldo has once again smashed scoring records, hitting in an unworldly 18 times from 10 La Liga and Champions League clashes this season, including recently getting his first at Anfield against Liverpool. Three hat-tricks already this Spanish top-flight campaign suggest he is the leading contender for a second consecutive Ballon d’Or award. He is 16/1 for another treble in this upcoming fixture.

Neymar – forward (Barcelona)
The Brazilian swiftly recovered form a spinal fracture suffered at the World Cup in time for the new season, and has showed no sign of lacking fitness, smashing in eight times in his last six La Liga games. Neymar will be hoping he gets the nod ahead of Suarez, who is set for his first match back in competitive football following his infamous early Brazil finals exit.