The Players Ready To Steal The Show This El Clasico

In the first Clasico since 2007 without Messi or Ronaldo who will steal the show?

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid will once more renew their rivalry with the first El Classico of this season under some unfamiliar circumstances. With Cristiano Ronaldo leaving for Juventus in the summer, and Barca star man Lionel Messi out due to injury Sunday's showdown will be the first one since 2007 which won't be  featuring either one of the two biggest players in world football.

What this means for Sunday is that someone else will have to step up and carry on where the two club legends left off and there isn't a shortage of names to call on to make the difference.

MARCELO

Despite playing at the back Brazilian left full back Marcelo has been a game changer for Madrid more often than not not only because of what he does on defence but also what he provides for the team going forward.

Marcelo has scored in Madrid's two most recent matches, including what turned out to be the winner in Tuesday's match against Viktoria Plzen, and Sunday could be another chance for him to further underline his importance for Los Blancos.

Although he is reportedly a doubt for Sunday with an injury he picked up during their win on Tuesday, word is he is set for a late fitness test which means there's at least a chance he could feature on Sunday.

KARIM BENZEMA

After spending the majority of the last few years acting as the foil to Cristiano Ronaldo's goal scoring pursuits, its almost easy to forget that Karim Benzema is also a goal scorer in his own right.

The Frenchman is currently the top scorer for Madrid at the moment with six goals in all competitions so far this season and having scored the opener in their win in the Champions League will be looking forward to getting one over Madrid's eternal rivals 

What's also worth mentioning is that if he scores on Sunday he will break into the top ten of the highest goal scorers in El Clasico and in the process joining an illustrious list of stars including former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, club legend Raul and Barca star Lionel Messi.

GARETH BALE

With Ronaldo stepping out of the spotlight of the Bernebeu many saw this as Gareth Bale's time to shine as the new main man for Real, but being injury prone it had not worked that way so far.

However, when it comes to the big occasions Bale is always up for it and has always delivered when Madrid have needed him most. The Welshman scored 26 goals for Madrid, despite spending time on the side lines with injuries, last season and Sunday can be his time to shine especially in Messi's absence.

With Los Blancos being as they are, Bale serves as their best chance for victory considering that he has scored 92 times for Madrid as well as setting up another 53 in his time at the Bernebeu.

LUIS SUAREZ

Since making a move to Barcelona back in 2014 Luis Suarez, with the exception of Messi, has been the most important player for the Blaugrana for the last four years and his goal tally would testify to that fact.

The Uruguayan has scored 133 goals so far for the Catalans and doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon.

He's scored four times this season, but its also his ability to set up his teammates which makes him even more of a danger having already provided six assists for his teammates this season.

PHILLIPE COUTINHO

Another ex Liverpool man who will be looking to make his mark on the El Classico will be Brazilian Phillipe Coutinho.

The midfield magician has enjoyed his time at Barca having helped Barca to a league and cup double after a big money move in January. He's scored four times this season while also providing three assists.

The Brazilian has a number of excellent skills in his locker which include his passing, shooting from range and expertise with the dead ball you can be sure that Messi won't be missed too much.

ARTHUR

Having recently being signed in the summer Barca new boy Arthur has yet to score his first goal for the Catalans and couldn't have a better opportunity to open his account for his new team.

The slick Brazilian is one smooth operator in midfield with his quick footwork and ability to think on his feet his playing style is reminiscent of Barca legend Andres Iniesta.

He will no doubt will be trying to emulate the exploits of the Spaniard in the biggest match of his career so far.