5 players who could play a key role in El Clasico

#4 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Safe hands

A case can be made that Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is the best goalkeeper in the world right now. Alongside Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak, the German international has been one of the world's premier shot-stoppers over the past three seasons, and his consistency in guarding his goal has helped Barcelona more times than they can count.

The Catalan club will be playing away from home in a hostile environment at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the onus is on the trailing Real Madrid to pick up all three points here. As such, the visitors can expect a barrage of attacks and more often than not, it is their world-class goalkeeper who has come to their aid when most needed.

Ter Stegen has proved his mettle on multiple occasions this season in both LaLiga and the Champions League - he needs to be at his best again on Sunday. With usual starting fullbacks Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto most likely ruled out for this match, there is no doubt that Real Madrid will attack the goal more and have the most chances. As such, Barcelona will be hoping for another masterclass by their goalkeeper to come out with at least a point.

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#3 Casemiro

Casemiro has been Madrid's best midfielder this season

After a horrid campaign last season by his standards, Casemiro has found his game again and has re-established himself as the world's best defensive midfielder. You could even argue that no Real Madrid player has been as consistent and effective as the Brazilian this season for the Los Blancos.

In the first clash this season between these two teams at Camp Nou, it was Federico Valverde who shined bright in Real's midfield. However, Barcelona will no doubt have learned from that game, and have a new manager in charge now - Quique Setién, who loves to see his team pass the ball and create chances in the final third, leading to goals.

Barcelona will probably have the majority of the possession in Sunday's game, but it all comes down to the final pass, which could be Real Madrid's undoing. As such, Casemiro's positioning sense and his tackling prowess could be key for Madrid in winning this game. The midfielder averages 3.4 tackles and 2 interceptions and clearances per game, and should he be at his best this match, Barca will have a hard time getting the ball into the box.