Real Madrid v Barcelona: El Clásico predicted lineups

Real Madrid currently has the upper hand in La Liga BBVA at the moment but an FC Barcelona upset at the Bernabeu could mean an even closer title race this season with Atletico Madrid wins at Real Betis.

With multiple players returning to the first team for the rivalry match this afternoon it is certain to be one of the biggest heavy weight bouts of the campaign and with so much at stake for Madrid in particular.

A loss for Madrid would see them allow Barcelona to close to within a point of their rivals and would allow Atletico a chance to draw level on points as long as they do their part earlier in the day against Betis.

Four of the highest paid and most expensive players in football history will be at the center of attention as Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo go face to face with Lionel Messi and Neymar from Barcelona.

The four of them will be looked upon as the game changers for the match, but it is likely that the men behind the scenes such as Xabi Alonso and Xavi will be the true heroes if they can maintain the midfield possession and keep the action flowing forward and not backwards.

It will be an epic match and is certain to be one of the most important matches in regards to the Spanish title race so far this campaign.

Madrid XI: Lopez: Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Alonso, Di Maria; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Barca XI: Valdes: Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas; Neymar, Messi, Iniesta.