Real Madrid v Manchester City: player-by-player who has the best first XI on paper? Pepe A physical presence alongside Ramos, the Portugal international started his career at Porto where he learned his trade under Ricardo Costa and Jorge Costa. Signed for Real in 2007 for 5m euros. Marcelo Joined from Fluminese in 2007 and acts as a left bak. Often compared to now-retired Roberto Carlos and after a poor start to his career in Spain, is thriving under Mourinho. Xabi Alonso Moved from Liverpool in 2009 for £30 and is now integral part behind Mourinho's thinking. Much rests on the shoulders of Spanish playmaker whose passing last season was exemplary. Sami Khedira Imposing midfielder who spent six years at Stuttgart before making his Real debut in 2010. Mustering four goals last term, the German is eager to maintain his stature as "a man Mourinho can rely on." Mesut Ozil Another German who debuted in 2010 after shining at that year's World Cup. Has looked out of sorts this season, but write him off at your peril. Luka Modric New signing is slowly finding his feet following his five-year deal from Tottenham. Seems to have convinced Mourinho that Croatian is worthy of starting berth already. Cristiano Ronaldo Sixty goals last season, it is a "sad" £80m player who is currently running out at the Bernabeu. However, the Portuguese just can't be written off. On his day, the best talent of the two sides. Gonzalo Higuain The Argentine, who moved from River Plate in 2007, has three league goals this term, and started in three out of four games ahead of Karim Benzema, the Frenchman who has yet to score this term. Total: 92 Manchester City Joe Hart Has leaked six goals in four games already this season, but is a presence at the back after six years service and needs to be at his vocal best at the Bernebeu. Maicon Was handed a torrid time by Gareth Bale in the Champions League when at Inter Milan two years' ago. Signed by Mancini on transfer deadline day, so yet to see the Brazilian's best. Vincent Kompany Is there a better player to lead out his troops at the Bernebeu? Will relish the task of Ronaldo and Co and his team will have learned new arts after experiencing Champions League introduction last season. Joleon Lescott The 30 year-old has been seen as a liability in the centre of defence and likely to exit City in next transfer window. But he remains a fan favourite and his partnership with Kompany is testament to that. Gael Clichy French left back - who moved from Arsenal for £7m last year - has only recently returned from injury but has slotted back into side with ease, underlining his class. Yaya Toure A European winner with Real Madrid's rivals Barcelona in 2009, the City midfielder has it all to prove against the likes of Alonso and Ozil. Gareth Barry A mainstay over the last three seasons but looks unsettled at Eastlands with young signing Jack Rodwell and Toure being preferred by Mancini. Big European nights call for big minds, though. David Silva Since making his City debut in 2010 is rightly seen as City's creative lynchpin. The Spaniard gives Mancini's side attacking power up front and will pose tricky opposition for Ramos and Arbeloa. Samir Nasri On the attack, Nasri can cause multiple problems for Real Madrid's defence - especially when working in tandem with Silva on the flanks. Carlos Tévez The Argentinian looks sharp and mentally-focused after well-documented off-field problems. Has banked goals already this term, as well as providing service from out wide. A serious threat. Sergio Aguero The Argentine striker is likely to return to starting line-up against Real, in the city where he made his name at Atletico. Cost £38m in a five-year deal last year. Who can forget his title-winning goal at Eastlands? Total: 89