Red-hot La Liga leaders Real Madrid, square off against Barcelona in Saturday’s El Classico at the Camp Nou, and the hype surrounding the clash will no doubt live up to the expectations.
Madrid have an unbeaten record to protect having gone the last 32 games without a single loss and will have to come up with a way of hurting Barcelona without the injured Bale.
A win at Camp Nou and the title will be theirs to lose, as a 9-point lead over Barcelona is all they need to be almost rest assured of winning a first La Liga title since 2012.
Zidane will be using his best available and fit XI, and here is how the starting lineup on Saturday could look.
Formation : 4-3-3
GK – Navas
The Costa Rican has helped Madrid to 2 clean sheets and an unbeaten streak this season.
The “MSN-challenge” would be his toughest test so far.
LB – Marcelo
Ever-reliable at the back and ever-present at the front, the Brazilian full-back has continued his fine form this term, weighing in a goal and 2 assists.
Much more defending will be required of him on the left flank against an on-form Lionel Messi
CB – Varane
Pepe has struggled with fitness this season and could be benched in place of Varane, who has been excellent.
The 23-year-old has played 10 La Liga games, scored once and assisted another. Looks to be in better shape for the cracker ahead of the Portuguese.
CB – Ramos
Could have missed the Clasico with a booking against Sporting Gijon last weekend but luckily escaped any.
The Madrid captain will rather take one for the team against Barcelona. He is also a reliable source of goals too.
RB – Carvajal
He remains in the pecking order ahead of the error-prone Danilo and was rested last weekend just for the El Clasico clash.
He has a lot to do against Neymar.
CML – Casemiro
Played 90 minutes in midweek’s Copa del Rey encounter against Cultural Leonesa in preparation for Saturday’s cracker, and could be making a return to La Liga action since mid-September. Kovacic might have to start from the bench.
CM – Modric
The finest midfielder in La Liga will do well not to misplace any passes against Barcelona.
He has been excellent as usual regardless of his injury problems.
CMR – Isco
The former Golden Boy should get his Clasico start after an impressive season so far.
His creativity could cause Barcelona a lot of trouble.
LW – Ronaldo
With 10 goals, the Portuguese legend and Ballon d’Or favourite has found his form despite a shaky start to the new season and seems keen of scoring against Barcelona these days.
Will he on Saturday?
CF – Benzema
The underrated French number 9 finds a way of turning up against Barcelona, and that might be the case on Saturday as he plans to add to his 4 La Liga goals of the season.
RW – Vazquez
With Bale out, the young Spaniard gets a rare opportunity to impress and display his talents to millions.
Will he take his chance?