Valencia - Real Madrid team news: Bale starts on the bench

Gareth Bale during Real Madrid training. — JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

DIARIO AS

Zinedine Zidane starts with Gareth Bale on the bench as James gets the nod along with Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo up front while Orellana starts for Valencia.

As.com Update: 22 February 2017 17:52h CET

As Valencia and Real Madrid catch up on their game in hand on Wednesday night, both teams will be hoping to continue their recent good form with wins at the weekend over Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol respectively.

Valencia team news

Fabian Orellana gets the nod for a second consecutive game along with Simone Zaza up front. Valencia looked very strong with their two winter signings in the line-up last weekend. Zaza got on the scoresheet along with another recent signing, Nani.

former Atletico Madrid left-back, Guilherme Siqueira, drops to the bench along with Martin Montoya as Jose Luis Gaya and Joao Cancelo slot in at left and right back.

FUTBOL 16/17Karim Benzema starts up front in place of Alvaro Morata. PEPE ANDRES (DIARIO AS)

Valencia XI: Alves, Cancelo, Garay, Mangala, Gaya, Parejo, Perez, Orellana, Munir, Nani, Zaza.

Real Madrid team news

The big story that emerged from the game against Espanyol at the weekend was Gareth Bale retruning to action and getting on the scoresheet. He is still not fit enough to start a game, however, as James rodriguez looks to take advantage of a start in the Welshman's absensce.

Alvaro Morata, who scored Real Madrid's other goal at the weekend, is dropped for Karim Benzema up front. He is joined by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid XI: Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Casemiro, Modric, Kroos, James, Benzema, Ronaldo.