Real Madrid make the short trip across the capital to face Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga fixture on Monday night.
Los Blancos are unbeaten in the league so far this season, picking up 10 wins and two draws in 12 games. They are at the summit of La Liga, although their lead at the top of the table was reduced by a controversial 1-1 draw with Girona last weekend.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men head into Monday night’s contest at Rayo Vallecano off the back of a smashing 5-1 win over Celtic at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League.
Real Madrid Team News
Aurelien Tchouameni missed out in Real Madrid’s 5-1 win over Celtic on Wednesday but was pictured in training on Friday morning. Toni Kroos is suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Girona last weekend, while Eden Hazard is a big doubt with muscular discomfort.
Real Madrid received a big boost in midweek as Karim Benzema made his return to the squad after recovering from muscle fatigue and should be available to face Rayo Vallecano.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Rayo Vallecano (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
One of the world’s best shot-stoppers, Thibaut Courtois will be bidding to keep a clean sheet at Rayo next week.
Defence
David Alaba and Eder Militao have been permanent fixtures in defence for Real Madrid, and the two of them should keep their places in central defence in the Real Madrid lineup. Dani Carvajal will look to enjoy a productive performance as the right-back, while Ferland Mendy fills in on the other side as the left-back.
The entire Real backline will focus on stopping Rayo Vallecano from creating too many chances during the 90 minutes at Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.
Midfield
Toni Kroos’ suspension should open the door for Eduardo Camavinga to start in Real Madrid’s midfield. Camavinga must look to take the chance with both hands on Monday.
Aurelien Tchouameni should be back at the base of the midfield after missing the Champions League fixture on Wednesday, with Luka Modric hoping to run the show with his passing ability and vision from the midfield in the Real Madrid lineup.
Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio must settle for a spot on the bench and hope to make an impact when called upon by Ancelotti.
Attack
Karim Benzema played the last half an hour against Celtic but is likely to be handed a start in the Real Madrid lineup in the upcoming La Liga fixture. The Frenchman will spearhead the attack, with Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde providing pace, intensity and creativity from wide areas.
Vinicius and Valverde both are in excellent form and will fancy their chances of getting on the scoresheet against Rayo. Rodrygo Goes will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to add more attacking impetus in the latter stages if Los Blancos are in need of a goal by then.
