Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Combined XI

When Real Madrid travel to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday, they will be aware of the fact that a win might be enough to see off their fierce rivals as title contenders this season. On the other hand, should Atletico, who haven't lost to Real in any of their meetings this season, win, it would blow the title race wide open and move them to within four points of the leaders.With such a fascinating tie in the prospect, who will make it into a combined XI featuring both sides? Will it be a Real dominated squad? Will the unfancied Atletico players get a look in?Here is how a combined XI from the two sides will look on current form and fitness.The team will line-up in a 4-3-3 formation

#1 Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas

Although neither team has goalkeepers who can be called world-class at the moment, Casillas is certainly the pick of the bunch. After the World Cup he had, it was a surprise that Carlo Ancelotti kept faith with the Spanish no.1.

But the man they call "Saint Iker" has shown this season that merits his place in the side and that is why he gets the nod over Miguel Angel Moya. Even amidst rumours that Real are planning to replace him in the summer, the 33-year-old has stayed strong and shown that his reflexes still remain intact, even if he is prone to the odd clanger.

While Moya has been good for Atletico, of late, Oblak has been given chances, so although Moya is still the first choice keeper, his selection was hurt by the fact that Casillas has been very consistent.

#2 Defenders: Dani Carvajal - Miranda - Diego Godin - Guilherme Siqueira

Arguably the most tightly contest spot on the entire team, Carvajal takes his place at right back ahead of Juanfran. Both players have shown their ability to contribute both in attack and defence effectively, but thanks to his improved performances this season, it is Carvajal who gets the nod.

With Pepe and Sergio Ramos both ruled out of Saturday's top of the table clash, it is no surprise to see two Atletico players start at the heart of the defence. With the recent emergence of Jose Gimenez, many thought that it would be the beginning of the end for Miranda. However, in a game of this magnitude, Miranda will probably get the nod.

The Brazilian has forced his way back into the side and revived his partnership with Godin, with whom he enjoys such great understanding. Godin, on the other hand, is the rock that has held the Atletico ship together, making crucial tackles and scoring important goals.

Over the past 18 months, Godin and Miranda have developed into one of the best centre-back pairings in Europe. If Godin is the brains, with his calm and composed reading of the game, the Brazilian is the brawn with his more physical but yet technical approach. Both players will be crucial on Saturday in a game that will be decided by whether the home side can shut out the league's most potent attack.

If Marcelo weren't injured, he would take his place and make it three out of four Real players in defence. But his injury means that it is an Atletico player, who gets the nod. Guilherme Siqueira has proven to be a decent replacement for Filipe Luis. He has quickly become one of the mainstays of the Atletico defence, and his Brazilian roots are never more clear than when he is attacking.

#3 Midfielders: Toni Kroos - Tiago - Isco

From being the orchestrator of the best team in Germany to being the chief string puller of the best team in Europe, Toni Kroos' seamless transition is a testament to his technical ability. In the absence of Luka Modric, the German has taken over the Real midfield and showed just why even at £20 million, he might just be the bargain of the summer.

Alongside Kroos, is Tiago, a player who has been instrumental in Atletico's success over the past few seasons. The Portuguese midfielder is one of the first names on Atletico's team sheet and only just edges out Gabi for a place in the team. Although 33, Tiago's ability to get stuck in, snuff out any danger and get the attack going is integral to Atleti’s style of play.

If you had asked Real Madrid fans who their best attacking midfielder would be this season, not many would have said Isco. But the Spaniard has shown, just like Angel Di Maria did last season, that he is more than capable of playing deeper whilst retaining his attacking threat. That is why the 22-year-old takes the final midfield spot.

The one player who would consider himself a little unlucky to not be part of this team would be Koke, as despite his brilliant performances, having both Isco and him play in the same team would have upset the balance of the team, and so the Atletico Madrid midfielder hasn’t been included here.

#4 Forwards: Antoine Griezmann - Karim Benzema - Cristiano Ronaldo

It isn't easy to lead the line at a club managed by Diego Simeone and that job is made even harder when you replace the club's best striker. But Antoine Griezmann has shown that although he might not have the aggressive streak as Diego Costa did, he can supply the goals all the same. That is why, the Frenchman takes his place in the side ahead of Gareth Bale, who for all of his perceived selfish play, has still had a very good season so far.

There aren't many strikers in the world, who can play second fiddle, let alone third to Ronaldo and Bale. But Karim Benzema has proven that he can do that whilst not compromising on his offensive efficiency. The Frenchman's 11 goals and eight assists are enough to see him take his place ahead of Mario Mandzukic, who has taken to Atletico's style of play straight away.

Although he is lucky to be playing in the game on Saturday after his red card and reduced ban, there is no doubt that Ronaldo deserves his place in this side. The numbers speak for themselves. With 28 goals and nine assists, Ronaldo leads both the goal scoring and assists charts for Real Madrid and is without a doubt, the most lethal finisher in Europe this season.

#5 Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

The experienced Italian was brought in at Real Madrid to do one thing, claim the club's 10th European crown. By winning the Champions League last season, he certainly achieved that. But the real reason why Ancelotti gets the nod over Diego Simeone, is his ability to make a squad of superstars play together and not as individuals.

The club's 22-game winning run earlier in the season was a testament to that and Real have without a doubt, been the most entertaining team to watch this season and all the credit for that, goes to the 55-year-old.

Substitutes: Miguel Moya, Miranda, Gareth Bale, Koke, Arda Turan, Fernando Torres, Mario Mandzukic.

How the team will line-up