It’s that time of the season again. The time when fans from within Spain, Europe and much further afield focus their vision on the two best sides on the planet. Real Madrid vs. Barcelona is always a cracking contest, but this instalment of the now epic rivalry has even more interesting narratives than usual.For a start, we have the Lionel Messi saga. The Argentine appears to have defied the odds to be fit in time to make the game, albeit he may have to be content with a role on the bench. Messi is understood to be back in training with the rest of the first-team squad, but his fitness might not be sufficient to risk a full 90 minutes, even if he has had a big impact through the years.Away from the players involved, Saturday‘s clash could see a new La Liga leader emerge. Heading into the game Atletico Madrid top the table, but with three points between the sides Barca could climb above with a victory thanks to their head-to-head record, while Real Madrid’s superior goal difference would have the same effect. However, any change is unlikely to last long, with Atleti playing rock-bottom Real Betis on Sunday.While Barca are currently struggling with fitness issues, Real boss Rafa Benitez’s side are relatively strong in terms of options. Karim Benzema and Keylor Navas may miss out, but Cristiano Ronaldo is set to feature, and doesn't appear to be in bad shape at all ...

The Real Madrid record goalscorer of recent cinematic fame is once again in incredible form and could well prove the difference while his Ballon D'Or rival watchers from the bleachers. And if you want more CR7 news, stats and trivia – don't forget to visit Ronaldo7.net

Some El Clasico trivia to whet your appetite …

In the last nine El Clasicos both sides have scored, which makes the current run the second longest in history. The record is 13 between 1946 and 1952.

Real and Barca have met in fixture 12 of La Liga on seven occasions. The Catalans have won the last three (2004, 2005 and 2009). They have also not conceded in this run.

Real Madrid are unbeaten in 22 home league matches (19 wins, three draws).

Barca have netted 41 goals in their last 15 matches on the road (2.7-per-game).

La Liga’s top three scorers are likely to be on the pitch on Saturday (Neymar (11), Luis Suarez (9) Ronaldo (8)).

Benitez has faced Barca on 12 occasions, as manager of Valladolid, Extremadura, Valencia and Liverpool. His record is W7 D1 L4.

Messi is closing in on another record, this time for the most league El Clasico goals. In his 18 matches against Real he has scored 14, the same number as Alfredo Di Stéfano. Significantly eight of these have come in Madrid.