Can Barca equalise?
Real Madrid currently hold a narrow lead in the head-to-head stats between the two Spanish giants. Los Blancos have celebrated 105 wins against Barcelona, who in turn have 104 victories.
The duel between the capital side and the Catalans has ended in a draw 52 times. Accordingly, Barca have a great opportunity to "equalise" historically with a win at the San Bernabeu.
Guler the decisive factor?
One of the biggest winners under Alonso is undoubtedly Turkish international Arda Guler. The 20-year-old attacking player has featured in all nine LaLiga games this season.
With three goals and four assists, he has made a major contribution to the club's commanding lead at the top of the table. His teamwork with superstar Kylian Mbappe also works perfectly. He has already played a total of 23 key passes this season - more than any other player in Spain.
Flick's unblemished record
Hansi Flick has been on the bench four times in a Clasico so far - and the former Germany coach has always won. The biggest humiliation of their rivals came exactly one year ago. Barcelona won the away game at Real 4-0, with Robert Lewandowski scoring a brace.
On Sunday, however, Flick will have to sit in the stands due to a suspension.
Alonso's first Clasico
The dress rehearsal was a success. Real celebrated a 1-0 home win against Juventus Turin in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Madrid side thus continue to boast an almost perfect record under Xabi Alonso.
They have won 11 out of 12 games this season, with only the 5-2 defeat in the derby against Atletico dampening the mood.
The next match will be Alonso's first Clasico - at least as a coach. During his playing career, he was on the pitch 18 times in the clash between the two Spanish giants. His record was mixed: five wins and five draws compared to eight defeats.
The incredible Lamine Yamal
It's no longer a secret that Lamine Yamal is probably the biggest talent in world football at the moment. However, the 18-year-old has been slowed down in recent weeks by a persistent pubic bone irritation. He has been in the starting XI in each of the last two competitive matches, but was substituted both times.
In his seven competitive appearances to date this season, he has collected just as many goal involvements (three goals, four assists). Yamal is almost unstoppable - and will certainly pose some problems for Real's left-back Alvaro Carreras in his Clasico debut.