Real Madrid are set to host promoted side Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabeu today as they aim to bounce back from their derby defeat on Sunday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were disappointing as they lost 3-1 to their city rivals, but with Barcelona dropping points against Mallorca yesterday, they have now been handed the chance to leapfrog the Champions.
It seems that Ancelotti may make some changes, and Real Madrid will be boosted by the return of Vinicius Junior after injury, but the Brazil star may start the game on the bench rather than being rushed back.
Ancelotti has come in for criticism over his selection decisions, which saw striker Joselu benched at the weekend, whilst his diamond midfield formation has not been wholly convincing.
A win against Las Palmas will be important, and Real Madrid will have to put in a much-improved display than has been seen in recent weeks.
Who could start against Las Palmas?
Although Dani Carvajal is available again following injury, it seems unlikely that he will be rushed back into the starting XI, and Lucas Vazquez could continue at right-back.
Nacho looks set to start in the centre, as David Alaba could now be rested following a disappointing performance against Atletico Madrid, and the Spaniard may provide more physicality at the back.
Ferland Mendy could also replace Fran Garcia, with the Frenchman coming on for him in the derby, and Garcia may now lose his starting spot after a mixed start to the season.
Both Toni Kroos and Luka Modric could not cope with the intensity of the derby, and both may now be benched as the quartet of Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham may start.
This will mean that there is no room for Brahim Diaz. The 24-year-old has been impressive off the bench, and fans have been calling for him to start, but with the formation as it is right now, it seems likely that he will be a substitute again.
Joselu looks set to start alongside Rodrygo upfront after his surprise benching, and the veteran will hope to keep his place even when Vinicius returns.
Real Madrid predicted XI vs Las Palmas: Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Joselu, Rodrygo