Real Madrid are back in La Liga action when they host Espanyol at the Bernabeu on Saturday night.
Los Blancos continued their unbeaten start to the campaign by downing Stuttgart 3-1 in the Champions League but attention now turns to the four-point deficit they currently have behind league leaders Barcelona.
Madrid still have a couple of injury issues to contend with, while manager Carlo Ancelotti may tinker with his starting lineup to keep it fresh in what is bound to be a long and sapping season.
Here’s the XI the Italian boss could select on Saturday.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Made six important saves for Madrid against Stuttgart, further cementing himself as arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Started the last game in central defence alongside Antonio Rudiger but should revert to his main position, allowing Eder Militao to come into the side while Lucas Vazquez drops out.
CB: Eder Militao – Has played twice since recovering from a muscle problem in his right leg and will resume his fearsome partnership with Rudiger.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – The charismatic Germany international put Madrid back in front against Stuttgart with his fifth goal for the club.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Recently penned a new contract extension with the club, though there’s every chance he could end up battling for minutes with Alphonso Davies if Madrid resume their interest in the Bayern Munich flier in the future.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Made his comeback in midweek after missing England’s fixtures earlier this month due to injury. The dynamic midfielder could be rested if Ancelotti elects to be cautious over his return.
CM: Luka Modric – Aurelien Tchouameni was the main holding figure on Tuesday night but could drop out of the side, allowing veteran Ballon d’Or winner Modric a third La Liga start of the campaign.
CM: Federico Valverde – The energetic Uruguayan is a threat in everything he does, whether it’s making crunching tackles and powering shots towards goal.
RW: Rodrygo – Selflessly set up Mbappe against Stuttgart and was arguably Madrid’s best attacker in that game. Will be looking to add to his sole goal so far this term.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – After a goalless start that had some fans concerned, the France captain is now scoring freely. His strike against Stuttgart was his fifth of the campaign in all competitions.
LW: Vinicius Junior – This will be another chance for Vinicius to develop his budding partnership with Mbappe. The Brazilian came close to scoring against Stuttgart but saw an effort come crashing back off the woodwork.
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