Clásico Preview: FC Barcelona v Real Madrid

The biggest match in football is upon us again! The Camp Nou is the venue for a fixture that’s brings history, rivalry, and two of the most star-studded sets of players in the world game.

Liga leaders FC Barcelona entertain a Real Madrid team that’s got off to an uncharacteristically poor start to their first season without Cristiano Ronaldo. But Barça also have a key absence to mourn – Leo Messi misses the game with a fractured arm.

How to Follow the Game Live

El Clásico is game that's watched the whole word over. See our extensive TV guide with local kickoff times and channels around the world. We will also have live English commentary streamed on R@dioBarça (the link will appear on the home page shortly before kick off) And social media users can get live updates on Barça's official Facebook and Twitter accounts as the action unfolds.

Liga as it stands

1. Atletico Madrid 19
2. FC Barcelona 18*
3. RCD Espanyol 18
4. Deportivo Alaves 17*
5. Sevilla 16*
6. Real Valladolid 16
7. Levante 16
8. Real Madrid 14*

*Have yet to play this weekend

After going for four games without a win, Barça won 4-2 against temporary Liga leaders Sevilla last week to regain top spot. But the troubles have continued at Real Madrid, who have just one win from their last seven games and have lost three of their last four (to Sevilla, Alavés and Levante). Defeat in El Clásico and they could drop as low as tenth.

Click HERE for the full Liga standings

The Players

1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 6. Denis Suárez, 7. Philippe Coutinho, 8. Arthur Melo, 9. Luis Suárez, 11. Ousmane Dembélé, 12. Rafinha, 13. Jasper Cillessen, 14. Malcom, 15. Clément Lenglet, 18. Jordi Alba, 19. Munir El Haddadi, 20. Sergi Roberto, 22. Arturo Vidal, 36. Chumi

Barça are missing the injured Leo Messi, Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen, while the only unfit Real Madrid player is Dani Carvahal.

Full details of Ernesto Valverde's squad for #ElClasico

HIGHLIGHTS: See the players in action in Saturday’s training session

Quotable

Barça coach Ernesto Valverde: "The more wounded Real Madrid are, the more dangerous they are. They have the quality to bounce back. I expect them to be at their best." FULL STORY HERE

Barça striker Luis Suárez: "Look at the Clásico last year, we were practically champions already but the intensity was the same as in any other Barça v Madrid game". COMPLETE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW HERE

Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui: "I don't think I'm going to die. Our situation is not irreversible. We're still only in October."

Former Barça player and coach Pep Guardiola: "With or without Cristiano, Real Madrid are a top team, but they have lost 50 or 60 goals a season."

Barça and Mexico legend Rafa Marquez: "The Clásico a different game, played with another mentality, and it will never be easy. Madrid are still Madrid." FULL STORY HERE

What Happened Last Time

Did you know?

• Barça have scored in every one of the last 21 Clásicos in La Liga. A goal on Sunday and they’ll equal the all-time record held by Real Madrid (1959-69).

• This will be the first Clásico featuring neither Leo Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo since 23 December 2007.

• In the all-time head-to-head record in all competitions, Real Madrid still lead by 95 wins to 93 (50 draws). But Barça have been closing the gap in recent years – a win on Sunday will move the Catalans to within one of tying the ‘series’.

• Since he joined Barça in 2014, Luis Suárez is the top scorer in Clásico encounters with six goals.