Last year’s Copa del Rey finalists are now set to meet in the quarter-finals of the competition, so there are no doubts we are in for a great game of football at Santiago Bernabeu.

Copa del Rey was the only competition in which los Blancos managed to pip their bitter rivals to the trophy last term, but Jose Mourinho’s men have outshone Barca this season.

In spite of losing to Barcelona in the league, Real created a five-point cushion at the top La Liga and they are now seen as hot favourites for the trophy.

Los Merengues have also been nothing short of impressive in the Champions League, and everything suggests this could be the season when they finally upstage Barca.

After coming from behind to beat Mallorca at the weekend, Real Madrid are 2.80 (9/5) with bet365 to create an advantage before the return leg.

Just as he had recovered from one injury, Angel Di Maria suffered a new one, which has ruled him out of the Barcelona clash.

Ricardo Carvalho and Sami Khedira remain sidelined, whereas Alvaro Arbeloa is suspended.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Coentrao, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Diarra – Callejon, Ozil, Ronaldo – Higuain.

Barcelona are clearly struggling to meet the expectations this term, but the mere fact that the Catalans are still in the race for all major trophies goes to show that they shouldn’t be written off prematurely.

Pep Guardiola’s side produced several under par performances of late, as they failed to beat Espanyol and were forced to work hard for the wins against Osasuna and Real Betis.

However, having already beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabeu this season, they have every right to feel confident before the trip to Madrid, so odds of 2.63 (13/8) offered by Stan James on away win could be worth a shot.

With no fresh injuries to report, Pep Guardiola can field his strongest line-up against Real, although veteran keeper Pinto will be given a chance to continue his Copa del Rey campaign.

Dani Alves and Gerard Pique return to the side after being rested against Real Betis, as Guardiola reverts to four-man back line.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Pinto – Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal – Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi – Sanchez, Messi, Fabregas.