CM – Gabi, Atletico Madrid
Is the lynchpin in midfield who will be key to Simeone’s side having success in the derby as in a game in which Madrid are expected to dominate possession Gabi will need to be strong and break up play.
CM – Toni Kroos, Real Madrid
Has been typically classy since sealing a summer switch from Bayern Munich and with Luka Modric missing the German will be relied upon even more than usual to provide creativity from the middle.
RM – Arda Turan, Atletico Madrid
Recently made the papers for the wrong reasons after losing his temper v FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and seemingly throwing his boot at the referee’s assistant, but Carlo Ancelotti will be aware of the serious threat this Turkey international poses down the right flank.
CAM – Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid
Generally played as a left winger for Real Sociedad last campaign, but has settled into the No.10 role for Atleti since his summer switch and has been prolific from a position just behind Mario Mandzukic.
LM – Isco, Real Madrid
Despite there being more prominent names available to Ancelotti in attacking midfield this 22-year-old has continuously proved his worth and is in better form than world record signing Gareth Bale, whilst James Rodriguez is out with a broken foot.
ST – Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
Having served a two-match suspension Ronaldo will return for the Madrid derby and is expected to partner Karim Benzema upfront, which when considering the 30-year-old has an astonishing 28 league goals in 18 appearances this season is little surprise.