Real Madrid are hoping to get back to winning ways in La Liga on Thursday nigth when Valencia make the trip across to the capital.
Los Blancos were held to a goal-less draw by Real Sociedad at the weekend, a disappointing result in what was been a rollercoaster few weeks since the World Cup break.
Here’s a look at the starting XI that Carlo Ancelotti could pick for this one.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Three La Liga clean sheets out of four since the World Cup
RB: Nacho – Dani Carvajal remains a doubt, stretching Real’s defensive resources.
CB: Eder Militao – Usually starts when fit and there is no reason why he won’t here.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Has retained the faith of the boss this season and this is set to be a fifth consecutive start in La Liga.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga – Injury to Ferland Mendy resulted in the young Frenchman fillling in here to plug the gaps at the back against Real Sociedad and he will get that nod again.
CM: Luka Modric – Rested from the start at the weekend and set to return now.
CM: Toni Kroos – Set for a 27th appearance in all competitions this season.
CM: Dani Ceballos – Injury to Aurelien Tchouameni continues to provide an opportunity.
RW: Federico Valverde – After successive La Liga games in midfield, could push further forward.
ST: Karim Benzema – Drew a blank last time out but the goals have generally flowed since recovering from the injury that wrecked his World Cup dreams.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Scored twice in the Copa del Rey in January, although he hasn’t managed a direct goal contribution in La Liga since October.
