In one of the most eagerly anticipated events in football this season, Madrid will host Barcelona in their first ever La Liga derby.
The clash between the teams will see Marca’s top-flight team facing off against Barcelona’s top division side in front of a record audience of 11.8 million people in Cartagena.
The Spanish capital has always been known as the place to watch football, but the derby is set to be even more important for the region as a whole.
The derby will also feature the most high-profile players in Spain’s top flight, including the most decorated players in the history of the country’s top tier.
While Spain is traditionally known for its domestic football, the Murcias derby will be an opportunity for the country to show off its best players.
Here are some of the best players who are likely to be making the most of the occasion.
Diego Costa: The Uruguayan is the most capped player in Spanish football and the most-capped player in Spain.
Costa is expected to start against Barcelona and will be joined by Diego Alves and Dani Alves, both of whom have already started for Spain.
The Brazilian is expected not to play against Barcelona.
As a result, Costa is set for a first-half cameo in front the Murca fans.
With Lionel Messi suspended, he will likely start against the Catalans.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese striker has scored six goals in his last four games against Barcelona, including a hat-trick against Madrid in December.
In addition to Ronaldo, Real Madrid will also field three of their own players, with Cristiano Higuain, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo and will also include Gareth Bale, Gareth Bale and Joao Cancelo.
The Portuguese forward is likely to start alongside Higuah and Alves in front, with the latter being paired with Lionel Messi.
Pepe Reina: The Spanish midfielder has scored 12 goals in 14 appearances for Madrid this season and is one of Madrid’s most versatile players.
The 23-year-old will be looking to help out in defense against Barcelona as he is also expected to be involved in the defense against Madrid.
He is likely not to be used in the attack, however, as Madrid will probably start with Ronaldo and Bale in front.
Lucas Moura: The Barcelona midfielder will be the most expensive player in football, at €80 million.
The 20-year old is expected be playing alongside Ronaldo, Bale and Alved in front against Madrid, while he is expected also to start in the midfield.
In front of him is Pepe Reine and Javier Mascherano.
The Argentine will be paired with Marcelo, Mascheran and Ronaldo.
Lucas Silva: The Brazilian will be expected to partner in the center of midfield alongside Ramos, and he will also be paired up with Higuaha.
Silva is expected in the central attacking line alongside Pepe Reino and Alve.
He has been in the Spanish national team for the past four years, and is currently the captain of Brazil.
The 30-year‑old will play alongside Pepe, Ramos and Ronaldo, as well as Higuya and Alvez.
Luis Suarez: The Uruguay international is a free agent after leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2016.
He will play in the back four alongside Neymar, Suarez and Pedro, while the Spanish international is likely in the side for the first half.
Suarez has scored 10 goals in nine games for Barcelona this season.
The Uruguan will be partnered by Higuada and Alba, as Messi will also not be used against Madrid due to suspension.
Mario Mandzukic: The Serbia international has scored four goals in eight matches for his club this season with four of those coming in the Champions League.
He could also start in front as he has scored five goals in seven games in all competitions this season in La Liga.
The 27-year–old will probably be paired in front with Higurah and Bale, with Maschera in the middle and Ramos in the wing.
Marcelo: The 29-year‐old has been one of Barcelona’s best players for many years, with five goals and five assists in the league this season alone.
He also scored twice in the 1-0 win over Madrid.
Mario Gomez: The Argentinian midfielder is expected at least in part to play in central defense, where he is paired with Suarez and Albedo.
Gomez has scored seven goals in 17 appearances this season for his side.
He might also start alongside Suarez and Bale.
Pepe: The Argentine has been involved in all four of Barcelona and Madrid’s Champions League wins this season (with four goals and one assist), and will likely be partnered with Higuey and Alva.
The former Tottenham player will likely play alongside Suarez, Bale, Mashera and Ronaldo as well.
Pepe will likely also be