Real Madrid host the smaller of their city rivals when Rayo Vallecano come calling this weekend, but the visitors are in impressive form and sit just four points behind Los Blancos – albeit with an extra game played.
There are a few injury concerns and doubts for Carlo Ancelotti but with a team boasting the two top strikers in La Liga in Karim Benzema (9 goals) and Vinicius Junior (7 goals) they should have too much for Rayo.
There are no problems at the back for Real it’s when you hit midfield that you begin to encounter some issues.
Dani Ceballos is out for the foreseeable future, while Fede Valverde is also expected to miss out.
Gareth Bale is doubtful, but did return to training this week and after Rodrygo picked up a hamstring injury in midweek, the timing could hardly be better for Ancelotti if he does make it.
If he doesn’t, expect Marco Asensio or Eden Hazard to come in.
How Real Madrid could line up against Rayo Vallecano
