Messi & Ramos lead Clasico combined XI: Barca in front & Madrid control defence

Real Madrid host Barcelona in the 180th edition of El Clásico in La Liga this Sunday.

It has not been a vintage season for either side, with troubles (on and off the field) dominating the headlines in recent months.

Still, as is so often the case, the blockbuster fixture - which is likely to be viewed by as many as 650m worldwide - may well end up deciding this season's title.

Here's a combined XI of the two sides ahead of Sunday's clash.

Goalkeeper

Ter Stegen

Barça's saviour on more than a few occasions this season, the Germany international may not be able to dislodge Manuel Neuer at international level but only Lionel Messi is more important at the Camp Nou right now.

Defenders

Ferland Mendy (LB)

The pacy 24-year-old is fast establishing himself as Zinedine Zidane's first choice as Marcelo's begins to fade. His performance in the Madrid derby last month was a highlight of the season so far.

Sergio Ramos (CB) 

No player has made more Clásico appearances than La Liga's Big Superhero. He's set for his 44th outing against Barcelona as a Real Madrid player this weekend - but has five red cards in the fixture.

Clement Lenglet (CB) 

One of the Blaugrana’s few steady performers over the course of a chaotic 2019/2020 campaign, the Frenchman battles with compatriot Samuel Umtiti to partner Gerard Pique under new coach Quique Setien. There are no doubts here, however.

Dani Carvajal (RB) 

While Barcelona continue to rotate Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto, Dani Carvajal remains a consistent presence in the Spanish capital - the Man City game aside - and has four La Liga assists. He has also made more tackles than any other Madrid defender (47).

Midfielders

Casemiro (CM)

Quite possibly Madrid's most important player in 2019/20 as part of Zidane's new pragmatic setup. The Brazilian leads La Liga with the most tackles (79), as well as the second-most interceptions (48). 

Kroos (CM) 

The German was left out of a Real Madrid Champions League knockout fixture for the first time (while fit) since his move to Spain. He is expected to return for his 15th Clásico this weekend and his presence will be welcomed.

Busquets (CM)

The Spanish midfielder had lost prominence under Valverde but he finds himself back under the new boss. Setien has helped him rediscover his consistency, as he believes that he is a player of paramount importance for the team's philosophy.

Forwards

Griezmann (LW)

It is not his best position, shoehorned on the left wing, but still one in which he performed well when the MSG line was formed with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez prior to the latter’s knee issues.

Benzema (FW)

A Pichichi leader until Messi came back from injury and started firing goals at will again, Benzema has fallen a little but has plenty of history in El Clasico.

Messi (RW)

Does this really require further explanation?

Agree with our selections? Who will make your combined XI? 

Feel free to leave your thoughts and share your XI with our Line-up Manager in the comments section.