Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Celta Vigo - La Liga
By Max Parsons
Real Madrid make a return to action as they face Celta Vigo on Saturday evening.
It's an opportunity to bounce back at a very important time in the club's season, having broken up for the international break with a devastating 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona last time out - a hugely disappointing Clasico result that brought an end to a run of five straight wins.
Carlo Ancelotti's men still sit nine points clear at the summit of the La Liga table, however, and should be confident of overcoming mid-table Celta - who have won just once in their previous six league fixtures.
Here's how Los Blancos could set out...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - Has been such a brilliantly consistent presence for Real this campaign, and will certainly start between the sticks once more.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - Should be set for a seventh start in eight La Liga appearances since returning from the treatment table.
Eder Militao (CB) - Has missed just two league games this campaign and is really becoming a powerhouse leader at the heart of the Los Blancos defence.
David Alaba (CB) - Will hope to bounce back from a tough couple of weeks, having suffered World Cup heartbreak at the hands of Wales as well as the Clasico thumping of late.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Should be back in contention having been ruled out of his side's last outing through injury.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - The midfield enforcer is in line for a seventh successive league start since returning from a minor problem in February.
Luka Modric (CM) - It's so easy to forget the masterful midfielder's age when watching him glide around the field with insatiable energy and mesmerising quality - still one of the first names on the team sheet.
Federico Valverde (CM) - Toni Kroos is a doubt through illness so, in his place, the dynamic Uruguayan should feature.
3. Forwards
Marco Asensio (RW) - Rodrygo has started the last three but Ancelotti could opt for a little change in his front three for this one.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Missed that defeat to Barcelona - and the international break - through injury but should be ready to return (Real Madrid fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief), looking to continue his blistering form, boasting eight goals and four assists in his previous five appearances.
Vinicius Jr (LW) - Has truly hit the level everyone hoped he could in a Real Madrid shirt and will of course continue to flank Benzema having registered five goal involvements in his previous five league outings.