Real Madrid will look to close the gap on Barcelona when they host Elche on Wednesday.
Los Blancos trail their arch-rivals by 11 points but have played one game less after going away for a successful FIFA Club World Cup campaign last week.
They face an Elche side who have picked up five of their nine points this season in their last four games, including picking up their first win of the campaign at last by beating Villarreal 3-1 last time out.
It’s a must-win for Real Madrid and a game they’re expected to come through comfortably. Here’s how Carlo Ancelotti may set up:
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Is fit once again after missing the FIFA Club World Cup and will replace Lunin between the sticks.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Madrid still have a number of defensive issues to deal with, so Carvajal has an important role to play.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Has played a lot of football recently but with so much to play for, Rudiger will continue on.
CB: David Alaba – Enjoyed a positive CWC campaign and will line up against Rudiger again to help Madrid establish dominance on the ball.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga – Will once again slot into an unfamiliar left-back role with Mendy still out.
CM: Aurélien Tchouameni – Seems to be hitting his stride after struggling a little post-World Cup.
CM: Luka Modric – Was excellent across the two games in Morocco and will hope to transfer that form to La Liga play.
CM: Toni Kroos – His passing range could prove important against an Elche side that likely bunker in and defend.
RW: Federico Valverde – The versatile Uruguayan was on fire at the CWC, scoring three goals in two games, including a brace in the 5-3 final win over Al Hilal. However, he’s 14 domestic matches without a goal and will hope to change that here against La Liga’s bottom side.
ST: Karim Benzema – Returned to action with a goal and an assist against Al Hilal. Benzema is the vital piece in Real Madrid’s efforts to catch Barcelona.
LW: Rodrygo – With compatriot Vinicius Jr suspended, Rodrygo will provide the pace to the Real Madrid attack. Has scored in La Liga since netting against Barcelona in mid-October.
