Variable starters for Real Madrid, Barcelona before Saturday's El Clasico

The biggest domestic club game in the world will be played on Saturday night when Real Madrid entertain FC Barcelona in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

   The buildup so far has focused on security concerns more than sporting questions in the wake of the Paris attacks, but with just over 24 hours until kick off, both coaches will now be looking to decide on their starting 11.

   Both Real Madrid's Rafael Benitez and Barca's Luis Enrique have question marks hanging over key players ahead of the game. Benitez has Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos available after recent injury scares, but with Benzema only returning to full training on Thursday and Ramos's shoulder still looking problematical, he has to decide whether or not he can risk putting them in his starting 11.

   Meanwhile in Barcelona there is one man who is the focus of all of the attention: Leo Messi. The Argentinean was back working with his teammates early this week after two months out with a knee injury and there is no way he will be left back home in Barcelona for such a vital game.

   However, with Luis Suarez and Neymar both performing exceptionally well without him, Luis Enrique knows he does not immediately need to risk Messi from the start and the coach has always said his aim is to ensure Messi is fit for the rest of the campaign and not just one game.

   Ivan Rakitic should also be fit for Barcelona after his recent muscle problem, but once again Luis Enrique may prefer to start with him on the subs' bench.

   That gives the Barca coach the problem of whether Javier Mascherano should start in defense or in midfield alongside Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta to cover for Rakitic.

   If he moves into midfield either Marc Bartra or Jeremy Mathieu will partner Gerard Pique, who can be assured of a hostile reception, in the Barca defense alongside Dani Alves and Jordi Alba.

   Benitez has been accused of being over defensive in his tactics, but with his side kicking off three points behind Barca and the leadership at stake, this is the chance to prove his doubters wrong and play with Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Isco and James Rodriguez together. If however, his defensive instincts get the better of him and he decides to play on the break and Real Madrid fail to win, his time in charge of the club could be measures in days and weeks, rather than months and years.  Endi