Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Almeria - La Liga
Real Madrid are back in La Liga action just four days after Taty Castellanos embarrassed the world famous club with a four-goal showing in Girona.
It was not a pretty outing for Carlo Ancelotti's side, whose defensive frailties reared their ugly head in a thoroughly uninspiring performance that all but confirmed Barcelona as this season's La Liga champions.
Manchester City are on the horizon in the semi-finals of the Champions League, but first it's another home game and chance to right the wrongs of Wednesday night.
Here's the XI Ancelotti may decide to go with.
Read the latest La Liga news
feed
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Almeria (4-3-3)
GK: Thibaut Courtois - The Belgian colossus was absent from Real's 4-2 defeat to Girona - they need him back between the sticks after illness.
RB: Lucas Vazquez - With Dani Carvajal rather abysmal in midweek, the responsibility of playing at right-back may fall on the shoulders of natural winger Vazquez.
CB: Eder Militao - Dropped a solid 1/10 in 90min's midweek ratings but the only alternative available to Ancelotti is shifting Nacho into central defence. That probably won't happen.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - Question marks have always been raised about Rudiger's ability to play in a back four, and he did nothing to prove those critics wrong against Girona. Still, he was marginally better than Militao.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga - Finally some good news as Real are likely to welcome Camavinga back on the left side. The Frenchman has taken to his new role like a duck to water and is quickly becoming an essential figure for Real.
CM: Fede Valverde - Sloppy in possession in midweek but offers plenty of running and gusto in midfield. The Uruguayan's quality should shine through back on home turf.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - Incredibly, Tchouameni's long-term future at the Bernabeu has been questioned because he hasn't yet commanded a regular starting place. That time is coming, starting here at the expense of the injured Luka Modric.
CM: Toni Kroos - Still oozes class in midfield, producing moments of real quality on the ball. Mobility on the other hand is an issue.
RW: Marco Asensio - Now likely to be staying at the Bernabeu after a bit of a contract standoff, Asensio has the ability to be put Almeria to the sword with his wand of a left foot.
ST: Rodrygo - The Brazilian is not a natural fit as Real Madrid's focal point in attack, but there's few other options for Ancelotti with Karim Benzema not worth risking from the start.
LW: Vinicius Junior - One of the best wingers in the world, that much you can now confidently say. 10 goals and nine appearances in La Liga and a whack-load more in domestic and continental cup competition.