Another away game is at the helm as Real Madrid brace themselves to take on Girona at the Montilivi.
This is a side against whom the Merengues have had a good record in the last five matches, winning four of those including two last season.
Pretty much the same squad has been named for this match, with the only addition being Gonzalo Garcia in attack who has been in lethal form with Real Madrid Castilla.
Despite the loss against Bilbao, barring the right-back, the rest of Los Blancos’ defence looked decent and looks well settled until David Alaba’s expected return in January.
Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio’s emergence has helped Carlo Ancelotti and expect them to play a part in this match as well.
In the midfield, it will be interesting to see if Carlo Ancelotti opts for a three man midfield and gives a chance to Arda Güler in light of Aurelien Tchouameni’s performance in the last match or whether the Frenchman is backed against Girona. Dani Ceballos has a chance to keep his place in the side but a start for Luka Modric is not ruled out.
Kylian Mbappe needs to really pull up his socks now. Mentally it seems like he is taking too much pressure and should just keep things simple because we have seen him making some good finishes this season. The club is backing him and the fans – for now – will do so too.
His partner up front, Rodrygo, looked to finally have gained some form as the Brazilian looked good on the ball and hopefully has a better game against Girona.
Speaking of Girona, they have not been the same as last season but for them sitting at 8th with a Champions League spot is not so bad.
Veteran striker Cristhian Stuani has been their leading goal scorer in La Liga with four goals and players like Bryan Gil and Donny Van De Beek being in good knick.
Former Madrid left-back Miguel Guttierez has had a brilliant season so far in both competitions and has played a part as a defensive midfielder as well for Girona this season.
As seen last season, Girona’s high line against Real Madrid cost them both games in the league against Madrid, conceding 7 goals and not scoring even once.
That strategy has not changed as they have conceded 20 goals this season and Madrid can take full advantage of this vulnerability.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are desperate for a victory meanwhile Girona would be eager to win in front of their home fans, following a shocking Copa Del Rey elimination earlier this week.
