The Madrid derby is one that has been revitalised by the arrival of Diego Simeone at Vicente Calderon. Atletico Madrid proved last year they are the real deal in beating their rivals to the punch for La Liga honours and most recently in the Supercopa, despite the fact that Los Blancos were victorious in the Champions League final. They more than evenly matched and will fancy their chances heading into the showdown on Saturday night.

It seems as though Real Madrid are contributing to their own problems, however, and face an injury crisis on the eve of the game despite the fact that Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to find a solution to the tactical conundrum he and his coaching staff are now faced with. Dani Carvajal and Sami Khedira have been ruled out while Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play despite a persistent problem with his knee.

The defensive midfield problem that has reared its head at Santiago Bernabeu is down in no small part to allowing Xabi Alonso to leave and not replacing him with a player capable of matching his style. Toni Kroos can be considered an upgrade in an attacking sense but may be outmuscled by stronger opposition.

One player who has been mentioned as a possible defensive midfielder is Fabio Coentrao. The Portuguese is primarily a left-back but was tried in a defensive midfield role under Jose Mourinho and might be called in to fill the void that wasn’t and now can’t be filled until January at the earliest. He will add defensive fibre with speed and tackling ability.

This might be considered a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul given the fact that Marcelo hasn't started the season that well and Madrid need cover at left-back. On the other side, Carvajal could be replaced by the capable Alvaro Arbeloa, but Madrid will miss the younger man’s pace moving forward and may be targeted on this side by the savvy Diego Simeone.

Short-sightedness and stubbornness were on display from Florentino Perez during the transfer window, having let Angel Di Maria go and selling Alonso for pittance. It may not be long and we shouldn’t be surprised to see a string of poor results cause the pressure to mount on Ancelotti at the narcissistic Champions League winners.

Los Blancos will, as always, be devastating on the counter with Kroos, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Ronaldo but for how long can they hold their defence together before it starts to cave in? This weekend and weeks to come will provide an insight and, depending on players returning from injuries, Madrid might struggle against more than just Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

La Liga - Club News