Madrid madness: Coral’s awesome Atletico and Real deal combined XI

Left back: Guilherme Siqueira
With Marcelo missing through suspension and Real understudy Fabio Coentrao otherwise frozen out of the first-team picture, Brazilian left back Siqueira is essentially included by default. Helping to seal 14 shut-outs this term, however, he has shown promise as a replacement for compatriot Filipe Luis, who followed Atleti top scorer Diego Costa to Chelsea last summer.

Central midfield: Koke
Creative force Koke has 17 assists in all competitions for Simeone’s side, and continues to attract Premier League interest. While he may not be interested in moving to England, El Clasico rivals Real and Barcelona will surely be keeping tabs on him, especially with Xavi’s career at the top looking like nearing the end.

Defensive midfield: Gabi
Atletico captain Gabi has made more tackles than any other player in La Liga this term. That rugged style is very much in the image of club boss Simeone. There’s silky skills aplenty in this XI, but some steel to sit in front of the back four is too tempting to ignore.

Central midfield: Toni Kroos
A deep-lying role with Real has really suited World Cup winner Kroos. The Germany international has racked up 14 assists in all competitions. Bernabeu teammate Isco has set up 13 goals for his colleagues, but we’ve gone with Kroos in our XI because of his consistent selection by Ancelotti when fit.

Forward: Antoine Griezmann
France attacker Griezmann continues to impress in wide areas following his move from Real Sociedad to Atleti. On 23 for the season, he has also made six assists. Tasty odds of 10/3 say Griezmann will net against Real anytime.

Forward: Mario Mandzukic
Croatia frontman Mandzukic has scored 20 times across all competitions in his maiden campaign at Atletico, two fewer than injured Bernabeu counterpart Karim Benzema. Simeone clearly uses former Bayern Munich striker Mandzukic, 11/4 to net anytime in the derby, as the focal point of his attack, while Real have goal threats from everywhere.

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo’s stats blow all others out the water. A staggering 50 strikes and 24 assists in 45 matches make him worthy of the award, and favourite to claim the next one. Ronaldo will want to enhance his record against Atletico, and is 7/2 strike first, or a superb 4/1 for two or more.