Both teams enter the clash on the back of victories.
Xabi said this morning: "On the one hand, there is the preparation for the match, which is always the same approach, but it is a derby and has a special atmosphere. It is a very nice game, we hope for a powerful atmosphere and that we can play with great energy to win."
Regarding the 14 years that Diego Simeone has been at Atlético, Xabi was clear.
He said, "What he has done is very important. I'm starting out and I like to go little by little. The start has been good, but we'll see."
Red-hot atmosphere
Xabi continued: "It's very complicated, every game is difficult to win. We've only had six and it's been difficult for us in some games. We must not trust ourselves and think that we are going to win by the shield. We have to be constant in our performance, educate ourselves to activate ourselves well before each game. A natural activation that will make us get points.
"No, it's a nice environment that you like to play in. The days before you already notice the atmosphere in the city. That shows and tomorrow when you know what is at stake it motivates you more. We expect that for tomorrow, a powerful environment."
On Jude Bellingham, he said: "Last week you asked me and I told you, he could start in the derby.
"Yes, it is different to go to the Metropolitano with Madrid. Because of the rivalry. It's beautiful and I hope we can enjoy it tomorrow too. The classification doesn't say much, but the game will be complicated. We will have to work on it."
Mastantuono progress
He also spoke about the importance of Franco Mastantuono: "Franco has many good things. For his age and having recently arrived, a new club and a different country, the adaptation is good. It has a lot of energy, you have to organize it... but that competitive gene is key. I'm glad you brought it. Tomorrow we will decide, I can't give any clues.
"He is an attacking midfielder. You can participate in the preparation and completion. You have to be smart to arrive in the best possible way. He's going to start, he's training and he has to be precise within his variability in style."
Regarding the team's moment, he concluded: "We are doing quite a few things well, we must remain convinced of following this good line. The more we can be flexible and unpredictable with the ball... We have the technical and physical capacity to play in different ways. With the ball we have taken steps forward and we cannot lose that."