Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano - La Liga
By Max Parsons
Real Madrid travel to city neighbours Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening in search of consecutive La Liga victories for the first time since December.
Carlo Ancelotti's men bounced back from a 1-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain to get their first win in three outings across all competitions last time out with convincing 3-0 victory against Deportivo Alaves.
With the ability to at least momentarily extend their lead atop La Liga to nine points, Los Blancos face a Rayo Vallecano side that remains winless in their six previous league outings. Here's how Real Madrid could line up.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Rayo Vallecano
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - A goalkeeper showcasing his best this season, Courtois is searching for an 11th clean sheet in the league this weekend.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - Has started the previous three La Liga fixtures after a stint on the sidelines and will likely retain his place for this one.
Eder Militao (CB) - An accepted stalwart in the side nowadays, Militao has started all but one Real's league matches this term.
David Alaba (CB) - In very good form at the moment and should easily start for a seventh consecutive time in La Liga.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Returned to the side to face Alaves following a hamstring problem and should continue for this one.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - Such a solid and consistent presence at the very heart of the Real Madrid side, Casemiro will inevitably shield his back four once again on Saturday.
Luka Modric (CM) - Still dazzles on a football pitch and is still a colossal figure for Ancelotti.
Toni Kroos (CM) - Was rested for Los Blancos' win over Alaves, but should come back into the fold for this one.
3. Forwards
Marco Asensio (RW) - Ancelotti also has Rodrygo, Eden Hazard and Gareth Bale to call upon, but Asensio should continue up top having notched two goals in his previous three league appearances.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Was at his magnificent best as he returned from injury against Alaves, scoring and assisting twice to take his goal-involvement tally up to 36 across competitions this campaign.
Vinicius Jr (LW) - Ended a six-match goal drought last time out, making it 13 La Liga goals - complemented by six assists - this term.