Before Real Madrid headed to Saudi Arabia to secure the Spanish Super Cup title, they played out a narrow 1-0 victory against Mallorca at the Bernabeu.
They received a further boost after Girona dropped points in a 0-0 draw against last-placed Almeria, leaving just a 1-point difference between both teams.
The Merengues have a game in hand and have an opportunity to cancel out the point difference and take a lead over the Catalan club, which will also take them 10 points clear from rivals Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona.
The men in white played out two extra times in 3 games in the past week and there were clear signs of fatigue in the previous game, in particular shown by Jude Bellingham and Nacho.
Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged this fact but mentioned that he senses the team feels good after the recent training session.
Many first-choice players may start the game from the bench and may only be brought on if the team needs them. Arda Güler has the opportunity of getting his first league start, along with Brahim Díaz and Joselu also possibly making a start.
Lucas Vazquez returns to the squad after recovering from the injury and the team is thin on center-back options in particular as even the Castilla center-backs are injured, leaving just Nacho and Rüdiger available.
The full squad for the game is as follows:
Goalkeepers
- Andriy Lunin
- Kepa Arrizabalaga
- Diego Piñeiro
Defenders
- Dani Carvajal
- Nacho
- Lucas Vazquez
- Fran García
- Antonio Rüdiger
- Ferland Mendy
Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham
- Toni Kroos
- Luka Modrić
- Eduardo Camavinga
- Fede Valverde
- Aurelien Tchouaméni
- Dani Ceballos
- Arda Güler
Forwards
- Vinícius Júnior
- Rodrygo
- Joselu
- Brahim Díaz
