Real Madrid: Who will Zidane pick - Keylor, Marcelo, Isco...?
Zinedine Zidane takes charge of his first Madrid game since his re-appointment today, with plenty of question marks over who'll start...
Zinedine Zidane prepares for his first match since returning as Real Madrid coach - a home LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo this afternoon (16:15 CET) - with no shortage of question marks over what the Frenchman's starting XI will look like.
Stick with Courtois in goal, bring Navas back in?
The opening unknown is who will be between the sticks. Throughout the two and half years of his first spell in charge, Zidane had no doubts at all: Keylor Navas was his undisputed, first-choice goalkeeper, with the coach even thwarting the club's move for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had passed a medical ahead of a switch from Athletic Bilbao. His opinion on Thibaut Courtois is a mystery, and it can't be ruled out that he'll restore Navas to the side.
Marcelo restored to line-up?
The other chief talking point is in defence. Zidane has an excellent relationship with Marcelo, and the Brazilian was always one of the first names on the team sheet during the 46-year-old's previous stint at the helm; however, the left-back had lost his place to Sergio Reguilón under Santiago Solari. It remains to be seen whether or not Zidane's re-appointment signals his return to the team...
Who will replace banned Casemiro in midfield?
In Madrid's midfield, Zidane's regular trio appears to pick itself: Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. However, the Brazilian is suspended and his natural replacement, Marcos Llorente, is still out injured. 'Zizou' will have to choose between Federico Valverde and Dani Ceballos.
The latter, who is the most probable option, was restricted to a bit-part role under Zidane last time around, so this is a decision that will offer a strong indication as to what kind of role he can expect in the coach's second tenure.
The start of new Isco dawn under Zidane?
In attack, the absences of Vinicius and Lucas Vázquez would seem to clear the way for a front three of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio. But Isco was preferred to the Welshman in Zidane's final term in charge, and, in the wake of Solari's departure, the Andalusian could return to the side...
Meanwhile, having also been a fringe figure under Solari, Brahim Díaz will find out what the new boss makes of him. It's unlikely that the 19-year-old January signing will start at the Bernabéu, but he could get a run-out in the second half...