Daily Times

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and former Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will not be available for this Sunday’s El Clasico – FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid. Messi would be out due to injury and Cristiano would be out due to a change of clubs at the beginning of the season.

However, both teams have plenty of firepower that can steal the show. Let’s have a look at 3 players from both the teams that can win it.

Barcelona

Philippe Coutinho is as good as they come from Brazil. The young Brazilian joined from Liverpool in January and has been gelling together well with the Barcelona’s elite. Having this gifted ability to score from out of nowhere, Madrid defence would be keeping a good eye on him.

Luis Suarez is a tricky one. He has not looked as sharp as he was some time ago, but the tough get going when the going gets tough. Even a Luis Suarez that does not look like Luis Suarez is dangerous and does not deserve even an inch of space. Real Madrid would know that.

Gerard Pique is extremely significant for the Blaugranes not only due to his defensive duties, but due to his attacking ones too. He is Barcelona’s most dangerous man from the set pieces and can sure save the day if needed.

Mar Andre Ter Stegen is Barcelona’s golden man without a doubt. He is a wall that Real Madrid would be aiming to bring down. But if it’s Stegen’s day, Madrid can not score, that’s for sure.

Real Madrid

Gareth Bale is undoubtedly Real Madrid’s main man up front. Although he has not scored as many goals as expected, like Luis Suarez, counting him out would too be a mistake.

Luka Modric is the man, and Madrid know that. If you beat Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Muhammad Salah to an award, you’re just that damn good. Having him in the team would sure be a huge confidence booster and Madrid would surely be looking to cash on it.

Sergio Ramos is the equivalent to Gerard Pique. He has a huge responsibility in defence and services to offer when attacking via a corner, free-kicks and set pieces like that.

Keylor Navas would be Madrid’s first choice since he has more experience of big games like the El Clasicos. Not that Thibaut Courtois is not a world class talent, it is just that Navas has been there, done that too often to be ignored. His role, just like Stegen, would be huge.