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Real Madrid favourites for El Clasico, says Rafa Benitez

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Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez says he is confident fans can enjoy his side's game with Barcelona, despite security concerns following the Paris attacks

Rafa Benitez believes Real Madrid are favourites for Saturday's El Clasico against Barcelona at the Bernabeu.

Barca head into the match with a three-point lead at the top of La Liga after Real suffered their first defeat of the season to Sevilla before the international break.

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Lionel Messi could also return from injury for the Catalans, but Benitez thinks home advantage gives his side the edge.

"We are playing in our stadium with our fans, so I think Madrid are the favourites," he said. "We are confident from what we have seen in training. It will be a difficult game, but a great one for the fans.

"Obviously we're up against a great team but we're confident going into the game and I think we're going to do a great job."

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La Liga Weekly's Jon Driscoll and Terry Gibson look ahead to this Saturday's big game between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Real have been boosted by the news that Benitez will have a fully-fit squad at his disposal, with Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Keylor Navas all recovered from injuries and available to start.

Benzema hasn't played for six weeks due to a hamstring injury, but has also been plagued by off-field issues as he was questioned by police in connection with an inquiry into an alleged attempt to blackmail fellow France international Mathieu Valbuena.

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"If Benzema is in the squad, it is for a reason," said Benitez. "Tomorrow we will evaluate how he is and decide what is best for him and the team.

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"It is the second time we have had everyone available. I have a winning team that has the capacity to still get better.

"That everyone is fit gives us greater competition. It is important everyone is in the squad and available to play."

Real are the highest scorers in La Liga and Benitez added: "The attributes of this Real Madrid team mean we have to attack regularly, threaten the opposition keeper and score goals, and that's what we're going to do".

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