This year's Clasico is likely to feature a ton of goals, but there are players on both sides of the pitch that will undoubtedly be looking to avoid any goals getting past them.

Both teams feature a wealth of world-class defenseman. But does either side have a better collection?

Let's find out as Latin Post.com takes a look at both teams with the Clasico coming up:

Barcelona

The expected back four will likely include Jeremy Mathieu, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves. It is not a terrific group, but this season it has been more than adequate for Barcelona.

Of the four, Mathieu is undeniably the most steady defensively, with more interceptions than any of his other partners. He rarely fouls and is not one to get dribbled past throughout a game. He does not tackle as often as other players on the team, but his game behind the ball is rather balanced.

Pique is having a bounce-back year after struggling in 2013-14 and the World Cup. He leads the team in clearances per game (4.6 per game), which is followed by Marc Bartra (3.2) and Mathieu (2.7). Pique also leads the team in blocks per game, while Mathieu is fourth on the team in that statistic.

He is not fleet of foot but he does possess a big body, making him tough to dislodge from his body.

The flanks are Barcelona's weak points. Jordi Alba makes tackles, commits fouls and makes interceptions but he has scored a couple of own goals. He is great at providing offense, but he gets caught up the pitch and tends to leave his flank deactivated.

The problem is even more severe with Dani Alves who is past his prime, lacking the foot speed of years past and as a result has seen his stats plunge. His misfortune is that he will likely be facing Cristiano Ronaldo all night long, something that could be of huge benefit to Madrid. Alves fouls a ton these days, mainly because he gets caught up the pitch and is not as quick to get back.

Real Madrid

The away sides back four would likely look something like this - Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Marcelo and Sergio Ramos.

The key here is Ramos. He has been out for weeks, but he is a natural leader and his return will likely organize the backline. But in what form will Barcelona find him? He is pretty good in almost every single defense department, but if he is not at his best, then it might be a tough night for Madrid.

Pepe is also a steady stalwart on the backend with solid statistics all-around. But where Pepe and Ramos really get an edge is on the offensive side of the ball. Both players are terrific in the air and can pitch in with goals from setpieces. For examples, see Ramos' three goals in the Champions League last year in the final two games for Madrid. And Pepe scored in the recent Clasico from the air.

On the flanks, Madrid faces similar issues to Barcelona, especially on its left flank. Marcelo is a tremendous offensive presence and Madrid often relies on him to create. That said, he often gets caught up the pitch and leaves his teammates exposed for counters. That forces one of the midfielders to cover, thus leaving the middle of the park exposed

The issue is lessened with Carvajal who has grown into a terrific player on both sides of the ball. Carvajal leads the team in tackles per game, is top three in interceptions, is top-six in clearances per game and is top-five in blocked shots per game. He adds great offensive insight as well with strong dribbling skills and good crossing and overlap abilities.

Edge

It has to be even. Both teams have issues on their flanks with their Spaniards and Brazilians essentially equalizing one another. In the middle, both teams have steady center backs that are also solid in the air.