Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid lock horns this Saturday in the Madrid derby with either side looking to come away with not only the three points but the bragging rights as well.
In this fixture between the two sides, Real have come out on top 86 times whereas Atletico only 39. But with both sides struggling so far this term, it is time for them to push on, with already being eight points behind league leaders Barcelona.
We take a look at the best combined starting 11 between the two Madrid sides.
1. Jan Oblak
There’s no questioning this selection here.
Kiko Casilla who will start for Real Madrid is the second choice keeper for Los Blancos, and with six clean sheets, Oblak is a certain starter for any side.
Unbeaten in the league, and some credit has to be given to the keeper.
2. Juanfran
The Spaniard is an old head with a wealth of experience.
The right-back has been at Atletico for six years, and with Carvajal unavailable for the visitors, Juanfran is fully capable to play in a top class side.
At the age of 32 and to still be playing week in week out, there is no other options who would be able to compete with this.
3. Sergio Ramos
The leader.
Ramos is the heartbeat of the Real defence and with the leadership qualities he has, the 31-year-old is an asset for any side.
He’s a disciplined defender but never afraid to go in for a challenge. His aerial ability has proved to be the difference in some occasions particularly when both Madrid sides met in the Champions League final a couple of years back.
4. Diego Godin
Another experienced head alongside Ramos.
The Uruguayan defender is the main man at the back for Atletico and just like Juanfran, has been and cemented his position at the club during his long tenure.
With also captaining the side on a few occasions, he is a true all round great defender.
5. Marcelo
The Brazilian is one of the best full-backs, if not the best, in the world, and could walk into most teams.
Despite ageing year in year out, the 29-year-old doesn’t lack pace, something in which is vital attribute in a full-back getting up and down.
Big games need big players and with three Champions League titles to his name, there is no questioning his performances in the high pressure fixtures.
6. Isco
A breakthrough.
The attacking midfielder has excelled at the start of the 2017/18 campaign with four goals already to his name.
Consistently getting at least 30 appearances for Real Madrid despite managerial changes throughout his time, highlights his qualities that he shows each year.
7. Gabi
An old head but still got it, the captain of Atletico has played over 400 games for the club.
With not winning many major honours, the 34-year-old has been overshadowed in some regard and is up there with one of the best midfielders in the Spanish league.
8. Casemiro
The defensive midfielder has been a revelation at Madrid after breaking through to play constantly following loan spells in Portugal.
The 25-year-old is in his prime and has been dubbed as one of the best in the world at what he does.
9. Marco Asensio
Asensio joined Real Madrid last summer and has become one of the hottest prospects attracting interest from several of the elite clubs.
Gaitan or Augusto can’t challenge the 21-year-old with age and quality all on his side.
His talent is showed in front of goal with netting four goals from the midfield this season.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo
Arguably the best footballer on the planet.
He’s not had the best starts to the season but he’s shown he can perform every single season taking Madrid to final after final, and winning back-to-back Champions League, the Portuguese has been one of the big differences between winning and losing.
11. Antoine Griezmann
Form is temporary, class is permanent.
The latter applies to the Frenchman who has lived up to the expectation of forwards who arrive at Atletico.
Forlan, Torres, Aguero, Falcao. He’s continued the trend and has taken Diego Simeone’s side to the next level.
Let’