Penpix of Real Madrid and Barcelona players before Saturdays match

Penpix of Real Madrid players before Saturday's Primera Liga match at Barcelona:

Iker Casillas, goalkeeper, 23:

Broke into the first team as an 18-year-old five seasons ago and has been the number one choice since. Brilliant shot-stopper and seemingly impossible to beat in one-on-one situations. He is not so hot on crosses or long-distance efforts.

Michel Salgado, right back, 29:

One of Real's most reliable performers, the former Celta player has a good turn of pace, is uncompromising in the tackle and gets forward at every opportunity. Good crosser of the ball, he occasionally gets caught out when his attacking instincts get the better of him.

Ivan Helguera, centre-back, 29:

Versatile centre-back, who can also play in midfield, but long-running groin and knee problems have taken the edge off Helguera's game. Like predecessor Fernando Hierro he is vulnerable against nimble-footed forwards. However still capable of producing inspirational performances at the back.

Francisco Pavon, centre-back, 24:

Competent centre-half, who is good in the air and quick on the ground. Plays the ball well out of defence, but still struggles to impose himself on opposition strikers.

Raul Bravo, left back or centre-back, 23:

Speedy left back, who can play in the centre of defence. Good in the tackle but lacks confidence in the air and is often caught out of position when he plays in the middle. Likely to be used only if Helguera and Pavon are unfit.

Walter Samuel, centre-back, 26:

Real paid Roma a hefty 25 million euros ($32.6 million) for the Argentine international, who as yet has failed to live up to his price tag. Solid but not particularly agile and could have problems containing the live-wire Samuel Eto'o.

Roberto Carlos, left back, 31:

Brazilian defender has been one of Real's most influential players since signing from Inter Milan in 1996. Has incredible pace, allowing him to push forward into attack on the left, although he often leaves gaps at the back. Possesses a thundering shot but his free kicks are too often wide of the mark.

David Beckham, central midfield, 29:

England captain made an impressive start to his Real career but his form dipped badly after the turn of the year. Has scored two important goals in the league this season but is not as influential in the centre of midfield as he was on the right for Manchester United. Returned last week after a month off with cracked ribs.

Luis Figo, right wing, 32:

Real's first Galactico and the man who helped Florentino Perez win the presidential election by agreeing to defect from Barcelona. Has never been forgiven by the Nou Camp faithful and will be assured of another hostile reception. Remains a determined and elusive runner with a powerful shot, although tends to be selfish with the ball.

Guti, central midfielder, 28:

Talented but temperamental player, who has taken advantage of Beckham's injury absence to cement his place in the centre of midfield. Good vision and neat passing skills. Prone to make reckless challenges that often lead to unnecessary bookings.

Santiago Solari, left-sided midfielder, 28:

Under-rated Argentine midfielder who frequently makes decisive appearances as a substitute. Reads the game well, has good close skills and possesses a great shot.

Zinedine Zidane, left midfield, 32:

Signed for a world record $66 million from Juventus in 2001, the Frenchman lived up to his price tag when he scored a glorious volleyed winner in the final of the 2002 European Cup. Like Figo has retired from international football to prolong his club career. An irregular performer, he always raises his game for the big occasion and is still capable of producing moments of match-winning brilliance.

Raul, striker, 27:

Real's captain and the only one of the Spaniards mentioned in the same breath as the Galacticos. Looked stale and unhappy last season but has shown recent signs of recovering his sharpness and has a good record in matches against the old enemy.

Ronaldo, striker, 28:

Despite concerns about his weight and work rate, the Brazilian remains one of the most devastating finishers in the game and he looked to have regained his edge with a bubbly performance in last week's 6-1 win over Albacete. Like Figo, the three-times World Player of the Year is a former Barcelona favourite.

Michael Owen, striker, 24:

Joined Real this season for a knock-down 12 million euros and was quickly labelled the Galactico supersub. Owen has made the most of every minute on the pitch, scoring six goals in the last eight games. Has yet to earn himself an automatic place but almost certain to feature at some stage of Saturday's game.

Fernando Morientes, striker, 28:

Last season's top scorer in the Champions League while on loan at Monaco and persuaded to return to Real by Jose Antonio Camacho. The arrival of Owen and the premature departure of Camacho have left him as the lowest ranked of the four strikers and almost certainly condemned to a season on the bench.

Penpix of Barcelona players before Saturday's Primera Liga match against Real Madrid:

Victor Valdes, goalkeeper, aged 22:

One of the best young keepers in Spain and good enough to keep Turkish international Rustu Recber out of the team last season. Quick, agile and confident, he has conceded penalties for mistiming dives at the feet of strikers.

Carles Puyol, centre-back or right back, 26:

Shaggy-haired defender is the heart and soul of the new Barcelona. Adored by fans for his never-say-die approach, he times his tackles well, is confident with the ball and good going forward. The only question mark is his fitness after picking up a knee injury in last week's defeat at Betis.

Rafael Marquez, centre-half, 25:

After an inconsistent start at Barca, the Mexican international has come into his own this season. Hard in the tackle, good in the air and dangerous going forward, he can play in the back four or push up into midfield with equal effect.

Oleguer, centre-back or right back, 24:

Versatile former reserve player who provides cover in several positions at the back. Has matured into an efficient, no-frills defender under the tutelage of Puyol and coach Frank Rijkaard.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst, left back or left midfield, 29:

The Dutch international has been in fine form this season. He gets forward as much as possible, whipping in telling crosses from the left and has weighed in with important goals.

Juliano Belletti, right back, 26:

Member of Brazil's World Cup-winning squad, Belletti is Barca's answer to Robero Carlos. He likes to push forward down the right wing and is no slouch in defence. His duel with his fellow countryman should be fascinating.

Silvinho, left back, 28:

The former Arsenal and Celta Vigo defender has recently recovered from a knee injury and is unlikely to start. Given his pace and attacking instincts he is the perfect back-up to van Bronckhorst on the left.

Deco, central midfielder, 27:

Played an instrumental role in Porto's Champions League triumph last season and in Portugal's run to the final of Euro 2004, and Deco has been an instant hit at the Nou Camp. Has excellent control and is a good passer of the ball. He is also a ball-winner and tireless worker in the centre of midfield.

Ludovic Giuly, right wing, 28:

Speedy French winger who helped guide Monaco to the final of the Champions League last season. Made a great start to his career at Barca, but has gone off the boil after a thigh injury and has yet to recover his early-season sharpness.

Andres Iniesta, central midfielder, 20:

Jewel in the crown of Barca's renowned youth system, the under-21 international is mature beyond his years and has won the confidence of coach Rijkaard with a string of assured performances in midfield. Reminiscent of former Nou Camp idol Michael Laudrup.

Xavi, central midfielder, 24:

Xavi has been Barca's key player this season and finally looks like living up to his billing as Pep Guardiola's replacement. Constantly searching out his team mates, he keeps everything ticking in midfield, has an impressive range of defence-splitting passes and likes to take a pot at goal. Has a great understanding with Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho, forward, 24:

Star of the show at the Nou Camp, the prodigiously talented Brazilian may not yet have reached the heights of last season, yet he is still capable of setting any game alight. No other player in the Primera Liga possesses his repertoire of shimmies, step-overs and assorted tricks. A potential match-winner.

Henrik Larsson, striker, 33:

The former Celtic hero has had to content himself with a supporting role since his arrival at the Nou Camp. Has missed a few good chances in one-on-one situations this season, but his work rate has been impressive and he remains a great finisher.

Samuel Eto'o, striker, 23:

Once on Real's books, the Cameroon striker is always fired up for games against his old club and will be even more so now that he has joined arch-rivals Barcelona. Has been in electric form this season, grabbing nine goals to top the scoring charts, and is certain to create problems for the Real back four.