Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Valencia - La Liga
By Max Parsons
Real Madrid return to action on Saturday night, aiming to get back into the groove in La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti's side's 15-match unbeaten run was put to an end upon the resumption of Spain's domestic season as Los Blancos slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Getafe to kick 2022 off with a whimper.
Bouncing back well, however, Los Blancos secured progression to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey in midweek, beating Alcoyano 3-1.
Here's how Real Madrid could line up to face a ninth-placed Valencia side also aiming to improve following a defeat last time out.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - Arguably the standout goalkeeper in La Liga so far this season, Courtois will come back into the fold following Andriy Lunin's appearance in midweek.
Lucas Vazquez (RB) - Dani Carvajal will miss out through injury, so Vazquez will likely deputise there once again.
Eder Militao (CB) - Continuously progressing into the colossal and dependable central defensive rock Los Blancos desperately needed after the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the summer.
David Alaba (CB) - Also doing brilliant work in filling that void following his transfer fee-less arrival this summer.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Wasn't involved against Alcoyano but should be drafted straight back into the starting XI as Valencia visit.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - Came back into the side against Getafe after serving a yellow card suspension and, although he didn't perform to great effect (and got booked again, obviously), he'll inevitably continue as the anchor in midfield.
Luka Modric (CM) - The Croatian maestro was absent for his side's midweek cup win, but expect him to return for this one.
Toni Kroos (CM) - Was given a ten-minute cameo last time out so should be fresh and raring to go for Saturday's clash.
3. Forwards
Marco Asensio (RW) - Appeared as a substitute to notch the decisive goal against Alcoyano, which should have earned him a start ahead of Rodrygo and Eden Hazard.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Didn't feature in Wednesday night's victory but he'll most certainly be reinstated to the front line here, searching for a 23rd goal involvement in his 20th La Liga appearance of the season.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - Has absolutely soared this campaign and has visibly been a miss while suffering from a bout of Covid-19, so his availability will be welcomed warmly by all - except Valencia.