Real will definitely lead the Primera Liga into the new year, regardless of Sunday's result at the Nou Camp, but the match known as 'el clasico' could still have a big bearing on the title race.

If Barcelona win at their fortress, which is about to be revamped by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster, they will break for Christmas just a point behind their arch-enemies.

However, a Real win would see them go seven points clear of the Catalan side.

Barca defender Gabriel Milito believes the match with the defending champions could hinge on one incident.

He told club website www.fcbarcelona.com: "Playing at home will not make us favourites. Both teams are in form and have won well in recent games in La Liga.

"We will have to pay attention to small details during the course of the match which are likely to decide the outcome of the game."

Thierry Henry is available for coach Frank Rijkaard who has been boosted by the return of another striker, Samuel Eto'o, who has looked sharp since ending his injury lay-off.

"Eto'o is a very important player for the team," said Milito. "He is brave and has a very impressive winning mentality. We have welcomed him back with open arms because he is a crucial player."

Real legend Raul admits his annual visit to the Nou Camp still excites him.

He told club website www.realmadrid.es: "I try to enjoy everything surrounding the game the days before it takes place. Everyone talks about it. Rivalry between both sides is very strong and one has to be concentrated on the match in order to help the team do well."

Looking forward to Sunday, Raul said: "We are in better form in theory because we're leaders with a four-point difference, but anything can happen.

"The home atmosphere always gives the home team a certain advantage over its opponent, but we proved we deserved a victory last year in Barcelona despite the oppressive atmosphere.

"I think they will remember that game. They will remember they had the League title in their hands and the match will be very tense."

However, for once the media has not been focused exclusively on the showpiece game with events at Valencia causing a few ripples that have even reached Madrid and Barcelona.

Valencia coach Ronald Koeman may not have enthused the fans with results much since replacing the sacked Quique Sanchez Flores last month - but he is certainly shaking the club up.

Koeman has already made it clear to long-serving players Santiago Canizares and David Albelda that their services are not required while Miguel Angel Angulo's future is also unclear.

Whether Koeman is given the time to carry out his revolution remains to be seen, but club president Juan Soler has so far backed the Dutchman.

Valencia start the weekend in seventh and Koeman will be eager to end the year on a winning note at a Real Zaragoza side whose coach Victor Fernandez also does not look particularly secure in his position.

The closest clubs to Real and Barca - three points behind the Catalans - are Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.

Atletico host Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon stadium while Villarreal have a home fixture with Recreativo Huelva.

Francisco Chaparro has worked something of a miracle since replacing the sacked Hector Cuper as Real Betis boss and will look to make it three consecutive wins when they make the trip to fellow strugglers Real Valladolid.

Once-mighty Deportivo La Coruna face a relegation battle in the new year and need to beat bottom club Levante in their final game of 2007 if they are to have a worry-free Christmas break.

Athletic Bilbao host Real Murcia while Real Mallorca make the trip to Pamplona to play Osasuna.

Apart from Valencia's game at Real Zaragoza, there are two more games on Saturday with Almeria hosting Getafe and Racing Santander visiting Sevilla.