LALIGA
Possible XI for Real Madrid as they face bottom side Elche in LaLiga
Real Madrid return to domestic action as they face Elche this Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabéu looking to claw back points on Barcelona.
Real Madrid return to the league action tonight after winning the Club World Cup last week in Rabat (Morocco), where they beat Egyptian side Al Ahly and Saudi Al Hilal on the way to the title. Despite the Club CW being a minor trophy, the triumph will have delivered a badly needed boost of morale after the last LaLiga outing which ended in a 1-0 defeat away to Mallorca. In the meantime, Ancelotti’s side have seen how Barcelona have managed to open a 11 point lead at the top of the table with a win imperative for ‘Los Blancos’ against the side propping up the table if they want to offer a challenge to the Catalan side in the race for the title.
Vinicius is the notable absentee for Madrid tonight with the Brazilian serving a suspension for accumulating five yellow cards. The home side will miss the former Flamengo player who has now bagged 16 goals this season and are expected to field a frontline of Benzema, Rodrygo and Asensio.
Courtois is still out of action with the club offering no date of a possible return. Lunin will man the sticks with with Luis López and Lucas Cañizares on the bench. In defence, Carvajal will play on the right side, with Militao and Rüdiger in the center of defense and Alaba on the left side. Camavinga, an emergency winger in recent weeks looks to start on the bench along with Lucas Vázquez, Nacho, Odriozola, Vallejo... Mendy is still recovering from injury and is expected to be ruled out for another few weeks.
Rodrygo set for a start
In midfield, it’s expected that Ancelotti will look to rotate after Tchouameni, Kroos and Modric started in both games in Rabat and it is likely that the German will rest, being replaced by an in-form Dani Ceballos who will start with the French and Croatian central players.
With no Vinicius tonight, Rodrygo will play on the left flank with Asensio on the right, both accompanying Benzema in attack. Hazard is still injured with only Mariano as the sole striking alternative on the bench although although Fede Valverde, who has already scored 11 goals this season can also perform in that role.
Real Madrid vs Elche XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Rüdiger, Alaba; Modric, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Asensio, Benzema and Rodrygo.