An 11-point gap separates Barcelona from Madrid at the top of La Liga table heading into the clash, with Zidane's men currently fourth. Whatever happens at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barcelona will be at the summit going into the new year.
Having comfortably brushed aside Deportivo on Sunday, Barcelona have begun preparations to face the reigning Club World Cup winners. Ernesto Valverde has chosen 11 men to battle it out in the Spanish capital.
Ter Stegen will start in goal as expected, while the back line will be formed by Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Thomas Vermaelen (whose improvement in recent weeks has reaped its rewards) and Jordi Alba.
Sergio Busquets, Ivan Rakitic, skipper Andres Iniesta and Paulinho will start in midfield, with the latter playing just behind Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.
Barring any last-minute surprises, Valverde's starting lineup will remain largely unchanged for 'El Clasico', so Zidane can begin the tactical battle with the Barca boss.