The race for La Liga title is closer than ever, just two points separate the Spanish giants, theres a lot hinging on this El Clasico.
It can be said that the two teams are not at their best, with Real Madrid and Barcelona failing to get a win in their last European outings. Madrid were beaten at home by a determined Manchester City while Barcelona could only savage a draw away to Napoli.

Real madrid Manager Zinedine Zidane seems to be rotating Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield, the former Bayern Munich midfielder was not in the starting eleven against Pep Guardiola's men but he is expected to start when Barcelona visit the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend.
Another position that has seen so much change this season is the left back position, Ferland Mendy and Marcelo have been rotated at almost equal measure. But for the defensive ability of the Frenchman, he is expected to start ahead of the veteran.
Vinicius Jr started in the midweek Champions league defeat, he is expected to return to the bench in favour of the more experienced Gareth Bale.

The biggest among the injury news in the Madrid camp is Eden Hazard, who has suffered with fitness issues since his mega money move from Chelsea last summer.
Marco Asensio is still out, the Spaniard has been out since the beginning of the season and he is not expected to be back till at least April.

Mariano Diaz is back in training but El classico will come too soon for the former Lyon striker.
Barcelona boss Quique Setien will be forced to play with two left footed center half, Samuel Umtiti and Lenglet as Gerad Pique picked a knock in Naples and he is not expected to play. He will join long term absentees, Luiz Suarez and Ousmane Dembele on the treatment table.
Former Real Madrid Defender Michel Salgado has stated that this weekend El Clasico will be very tight and the result of the tie will go a long way in determining the champion at the end of the season. But he expects his old side to come out on top.