Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Mallorca - La Liga
By Chris Smith
Real Madrid will look to keep the pressure on Barcelona when they travel to Mallorca on Saturday.
Los Blancos trail their arch-rivals by five points in the La Liga title race but still have plenty of time to catch up with half the season still remaining.
But that chase begins this weekend against an inconsistent Mallorca side that can trouble the best on their day.
Here's how Carlo Ancelotti could set up for the match:
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Mallorca (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois - Arguably the first name on the team sheet.
RB: Dani Carvajal - Has an important role to play with Madrid suffering from numerous defensive injuries.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - Will look to anchor the backline with Militao sidelined.
CB: David Alaba - Probably not running at 100% but needs must in this one. Alaba's composure on the ball will be key to starting Madrid attacks.
LB: Ferland Mendy - Like Alaba, Mendy isn't at his physical peak but Los Blancos are short of options at the back.
CM: Luka Modric - Will keep the midfield ticking for Real Madrid. Modric remains a calm head in an increasingly young group.
CM: Toni Kroos - If he's fit enough to play, Toni Kroos should start to help dominate the midfield alongside Modric.
CM: Aurélien Tchouameni - After playing 24 minutes in the recent win over Valencia, Tchouameni will be pushing for a start here.
RW: Rodrygo - Rodrygo will also be looking to start as Ancelotti rotates his side ahead of the Club World Cup, especially after playing just half an hour against Valencia.
ST: Eden Hazard - Though not serious, Karim Benzema picked up a knock against Valencia, so we could see Eden Hazard start as a false nine.
LW: Vinicius Jr - His place in the starting XI is unquestioned, especially after scoring three goals in his last five appearances.