Real Madrid travel to Estadi Montilivi tomorrow in a top-of-the-table clash against Girona, who are currently leading La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side bounced back from their derby defeat to beat Las Palmas 2-0 in midweek, but Girona will pose a different kind of test for Los Blancos, and a number of changes may be made to the lineup.
Girona are unbeaten, with six wins from their opening seven games, and are also tied with Barcelona as top scorers, with 18 league goals so far.
Who could play against Girona?
Ancelotti may be keeping one eye on Real Madrid’s trip to face Italian Champions Napoli next week, but having rested Jude Bellingham in midweek, the Englishman looks set to return to the starting XI.
Brahim Diaz scored on his first start of the season, and looks likely to keep his place, but Ancelotti needs to figure out how to get him into the team alongside Bellingham.
Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal returned to the squad after injuries, and both could start. With Rodrygo suffering from poor form in front of goal, Ancelotti may be tempted to drop the 22-year-old.
A change could be made in midfield to allow Brahim to start behind Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga could be rested for the Napoli game, and there may be no room for Toni Kroos or Luka Modric.
Rodrygo to be dropped?
Vinicius Junior now looks set to return to the starting XI, in a major boost for Real Madrid, and with Joselu playing superbly against Las Palmas, Rodrygo looks the main candidate to drop to the bench.
The Brazilian has not scored since the opening day, and his performances have not been at his best in recent weeks.
Vinicius and Joselu could form a deadly partnership up front, with the speedy attacker playing off Joselu’s physical presence, and a spell out the starting XI could benefit Rodrygo.
Real Madrid predicted XI vs Girona: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho, Ferland Mendy; Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham; Joselu, Vinicius Junior.