ExtraFootie looks ahead to the small matter of Barcelona v Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on Sunday in one of the most eagerly-anticipated 'El Clasico's' in recent history.

Here we go then, after a summer of snide remarks, sly digs, blockbuster transfers and seemingly endless plaudits and celebration parties, the two tribes are set to go into battle again.

This is not one for the faint-hearted, nor is it a tussle for those who are easily offended. Make no mistake about it, the level of animosity between La Blaugrana and Los Blancos runs deeper than the Grand Canyon!

The two trade punches like Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier did in the legendary 'Thriller in Manilla' in 1975 and that is set to continue come Sunday evening.

After Pep Guardiola's men catapulted their way to a historic treble, new Real president Forentino Perez sought to re-address the balance of power by splashing out £220million to build his 'spectacular sporting project' at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Brazilian playmaker Kaka arrived for £59million from AC Milan, £35million was spent on French hitman Karim Benzema while a world record £80million was splashed out on FIFA World Player of the Year Cristaino Ronaldo.

Barcelona have been stuttering of late and lost top-spot last week to Real after a 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao.

However, after watching his side consummately outclassing Serie A champions Inter Milan in their UEFA Champions League clash in midweek, Guardiola will be hoping they can roll back the months and blast past their eternal rivals.

Real meanwhile, have yet to truly sparkle, although the nine-times European champions have been churning out points and wins which has seen them quietly rise to the summit of La Liga.

Their last league game, a far from convincing 1-0 win at home to struggling Racing Santander, was testimony to that, and under-fire boss Manuel Pellegrini is well aware that improvements will be needed should they net their first win at the Camp Nou in two years.

"We are not afraid of anyone. We will go to Barcelona to play our game, to win. We shall show that we are able to win against Barca at Camp Nou," defender Pepe told Marca.

A win for Barcelona takes them back to the top and will raise more questions about Pellegrini, whilst should the Chilean's men avoid defeat, or, better still win, then the bookies favourites will be on course to recapturing the La Liga crown from the Barca trophy room where it currently sits.

Team News:

Barcelona are expected to welcome Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic back into theri starting XI after they were forced to sit out the midweek win over Inter Milan.

Yaya Toure is expected to miss out as he recovers from swine flu, although Eric Abidal has overcome the potentially deadly H1N1 virus and should take his place at left-back.

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini will have to decide whether or not to start with Cristiano Ronaldo who has only just returned from an ankle injury.

Free-scoring Gonzalo Higuain is expected to retain his place in the side while captain Raul and Karim Benzema are expected to line up on the substitutes bench.

Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Xabi Alonso, Kaka and Ronaldo, if fit, will all get their first taste of 'El Clasico' after their summer moves to the Spanish capital.

Probable Line Ups (Star Man):

Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes; Alves, Puyol, Pique, Abidal; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Henry, Ibrahimovic, Messi

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Arbeloa; Alonso, Diarra; Ronaldo, Kaka, Marcelo; Higuain

ExtraFootie's Prediction: Barcelona 2 - 2 Real Madrid. The two teams are almost inseparable given the attacking threat both contain and the defensive frailties besetting them. A draw looks probable which will of course keep Real top.

In order to further whet the appetite we shall take your minds back to last season’s terrific encounter.

After battering Iker Casillas' goal for over 80 minutes, La Blaugrana finally got the breakthrough when Real tormentor-in chief Samuel Eto'o prodded home a corner, before Lionel Messi chipped the second to seal a fantastic 2-0 victory. The win served as a catapult to the treble and in terms of a morale-booster it was inimical.