Real Madrid have the chance to return to the top of the La Liga table when they face Villarreal on Saturday.
Tied on points with Barcelona, who face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, Real have the chance to make a real statement against a Villarreal side who are right in the hunt for European qualification this season.
Here’s how Carlo Ancelotti could set up for this one.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Left out of the Copa del Rey game in midweek because of a minor injury concern, Courtois was soon back in training and should have no problems playing here.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Missing the game alongside Courtois was Dani Carvajal, whose return to training hasn’t been quite as seamless. Expect Vazquez to start in his place.
CB: Eder Militao – Rested at half-time against Cacereno, it seems as though Militao has been kept fresh to start this one.
CB: David Alaba – Alaba wasn’t involved at all in midweek, with Ancelotti keen to preserve the fitness of his star defender.
LB: Ferland Mendy – There are plenty of transfer rumours swirling around Mendy this month and he could attract more suitors with a solid performance.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Casemiro has found his footing at Man Utd but Real Madrid fans don’t care, such has been Tchouameni’s impressive adjustment to life in Spain.
CM: Luka Modric – It came as no surprise to see Modric omitted for the Cacareno game. The veteran’s legs are being rested at every given opportunity to keep him healthy for matches like this one.
CM: Toni Kroos – The talk around Kroos has centred on his contract these days, with Real hopeful that the German midfielder will put pen to paper in the near future.
RW: Federico Valverde – This inverted winger role appears to be perfect for Valverde, who has the freedom to do a little bit of everything.
ST: Karim Benzema – Benzema bagged twice against Real Valladolid last time out and looks to still be firing on all cylinders after returning from the muscle injuries that contributed to his World Cup frustrations.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Eden Hazard came in against Cacereno but did very little to suggest he’ll earn a starting role ahead of Vinicius Junior. The brilliant Brazilian should waltz back into Ancelotti’s team.
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