Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Girona - La Liga
- Carlo Ancelotti facing dilemma in defence with several stars injured
- However, Vinicius Junior could return to the starting XI after sub appearance vs Las Palmas
- Madrid hoping to overtake Girona as La Liga leaders with victory on Saturday
By Euan Burns
Real Madrid go into Saturday's clash with Girona as the second-placed team in La Liga, just a point behind their upcoming opponents.
Girona have won their last five games in the league and are one of just two teams alongside Barcelona yet to lose a match. They are certainly the surprise package of the early stages and will have their eyes on a potential home win over Madrid, just like they managed last season.
Carlo Ancelotti has had a number of injury concerns to deal with so far this season and while he has got one important player back, another is set to miss this game after coming off against Las Palmas on Wednesday.
Here's the team Ancelotti may choose for Girona vs Real Madrid on Saturday evening.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Girona (4-3-1-2)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga - There seems to be little regret for Real Madrid when it comes to Kepa's signing despite there being a handful of other options around when Thibaut Courtois got injured.
RB: Dani Carvajal - Having returned to the bench against Las Palmas after his injury, Carvajal is expected to come back into the starting XI to face Girona.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - There is a chance the German will not be fit enough to start the game but Ancelotti remains optimistic about Rudiger's chances.
CB: Nacho Fernandez - Club captain Nacho will get a chance to show off from the first whistle as David Alaba is the latest important name at Madrid to suffer an injury.
LB: Fran Garcia - Despite Ferland Mendy's return to fitness, Fran Garcia has managed to keep his spot at left-back and is doing a very good job.
CM: Federico Valverde - His place in the Madrid midfield looks pretty secure right now and Valverde has a big job on his hands to ensure his side aren't overrun against Girona.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - Things can change incredibly quickly in football these days but there is a feeling Tchouameni will be at the base of Real Madrid's midfield for a long time.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga - Camavinga is also expected to feature heavily in Madrid's midfield alongside Valverde and Tchouameni for many years to come, as long as he isn't required at full-back or elsewhere.
AM: Jude Bellingham - He may have stopped scoring in every single game they play but Bellingham is still arguably the most important player Madrid have right now.
ST: Vinicius Junior - Having come off the bench against Las Palmas, Vinicius is expected to start against Girona in a big boost for Real Madrid.
ST: Rodrygo - Vinicius' return may also be a relief for Rodrygo who will likely find it easier to play alongside his compatriot than Joselu.
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