Real Madrid will look to respond to their surprise defeat by Real Betis when they face Rayo Vallecano in the fifth round of the Spanish league on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho is expected to make limited changes, with Ibrahima Konate set to partner Dean Huijsen at centre-back and Marc Cucurella likely to start at left-back.
Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are expected to provide the midfield balance, while Arda Guler should return to the starting XI after missing the Champions League match against Inter Milan through suspension.
Real Madrid remain without the injured Raul Asencio, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. Ivorian forward Yan Diomande could again begin on the bench and come on in the second half, although supporters are eager to see him handed a starting role.
Real Madrid probable XI
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
Defensive midfielders: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga
Attacking midfielders: Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior
Centre-forward: Kylian Mbappe
The match is the latest opportunity for Real Madrid to regain momentum in La Liga after their unexpected setback against Real Betis. The club will face a Rayo Vallecano side forced to alter its own line-up because of injuries and suspension.
Daniel Cardenas is expected to replace Augusto Batalla, who has suffered a serious leg injury. In attack, Brazilian forward Alemao is set to start in place of Jorge de Frutos, who is suspended.
Rayo Vallecano will also be without Isi Palazon because of injury, prompting a more crowded midfield as the visitors seek to contain Real Madrid’s attacking threat. Marash Kumbulla and Raul de Tomas are also unavailable.
Rayo Vallecano probable XI
Goalkeeper: Daniel Cardenas
Defenders: Andrei Ratiu, Florian Lejeune, Pathe Ciss, Adria Pedrosa
Midfielders: Pedro Diaz, Oscar Valentin, Unai Lopez
Forwards: Alemao, Sergio Camello, Alvaro Garcia
The match will be Real Madrid’s fifth league fixture of the season against Rayo Vallecano. The listed odds from 1xbet price a Real Madrid win at 1,10, with a draw at 8,80 and a Rayo Vallecano victory at 17,00.