LaLiga Who will come out on top in first big clash of the season?

With Real Madrid gaining an early grip on the league leadership, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid prepare to do battle in the first title bout of the campaign.

Neither can claim to be at their best but big wins for both on the weekend have reminded their rivals of the ferocity that either side can possess when challenged.

While the Blaugrana play to the tune of Luis Enrique's orchestra that composes a fortissimo of chances for the much-hailed MSN; Diego Simeone is unparalleled in how he conducts Atletico, led from the front by principal attacker Antoine Griezmann.

Still, a third-straight LaLiga crown is undoubtedly within the reach of Enrique and the Asturian tactician knows that victory over Los Rojiblancos will stand the Azulgranas forward as Real's chief competitor in 2016/17.

Samuel Umtiti may be missing for the hosts, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Sergi Roberto are likely to be fit in a side that can deploy the full MSN attacking triumvirate for only the third time this season.

Simeone, meanwhile, hopes to have the wise head of Juanfran back in his defence and Gabi may be brought into the starting line-up to add punch to a midfield that is expected to supply for Griezmann, a man on a mission for Barcelona, and Messi's, throne.