James and Isco still out of preferred XI

Real Madrid Neither one of them have featured a single minute against Barcelona

Once undisputed starters for Real Madrid, Isco and James Rodriguez are now replaceable to the point that neither one of them featured in Madrid's 2-1 win at the Camp Nou.

Casemiro's growing importance in the team's tactics combined with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema's recoveries have sidelined the two talented playmakers.

Most fans and analysts thought that Isco and James should play together last season, but things started to change when Benitez took over. 

Zidane has always had good words to say about them but that has not been enough for Isco and James to prove they belong in the starting XI.

It definitely seems that the Frenchman has chosen his favourite line up with Casemiro playing in the midfield as Madrid reach the most important matches of the season.

So, unless an injury forces the coach to change his mind, both James and Isco are expected to stay on the bench.