Who will step up in Messi and Ronaldo’s absence?

Barcelona: Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez is one of few players can claim to have matched the goal-scoring exploits of Messi and Ronaldo over the last decade. During the 2015-16 season, the Uruguayan became the first-ever player outside of the pair to score 40+ goals in a single La Liga campaign, and while he hasn’t quite maintained the same output since, remains one of the leagues most prolific goalscorers.

Suarez’s ability in front of goal will be all the more important in Messi’s absence and the former Liverpool striker has in the past proven himself up to the task. The 31-year old already boasts six El Clasico goals and will be looking to add to his tally on Sunday. Barcelona will certainly be hoping he can continue his form as the club has never lost to Madrid when he has scored.

Real Madrid: Gareth Bale

It speaks volumes of the otherworldly qualities of Cristiano Ronaldo that Gareth Bale, one of soccer’s foremost players, was forced to operate in the shadows over the last half-decade. The Welsh superstar certainly played an important role for Los Blancos during that period, never more so than in last season’s Champions League final, but regularly found himself playing as the side-show to Ronaldo’s main act.

With the Portuguese star now at Juventus, Bale has the opportunity to become the key figure at Madrid. He started the current campaign strongly too, netting three times in the opening three matches, but a lack of goals in recent weeks has coincided with the club’s downturn in form. Doubts remain as to whether or not Bale can replicate Ronaldo’s form but a strong performance on Sunday will go a long way towards silencing his critics.