Carlo Ancelotti to spring El Clasico "surprise"

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he has a surprise up his sleeve for Barcelona ahead of this evening's El Clasico.

The Spanish giants renew hostilities at the Santiago Bernabeu later today in what is expected to be Luis Suarez's debut for the Catalans.

However, the Italian coach claims to also have something special in store for Luis Enrique's side but stopped short of revealing what it was.

In Ancelotti's first Clasico last season, defenders Pepe and Sergio Ramos alternated in a midfield role in a tactical ploy that had little effect, but he remains unperturbed and claims that there will be another "surprise" today.

"I will do something that will come as a surprise," he told reporters. "This is something I like doing. I did it last year and it didn't work but I have done it many other times and I succeed.

"I have many thoughts as I am focused on the match but I also want to surprise people with the starting XI."

Kickoff is scheduled for 5pm.