Actual Madrid will probably be hoping to select up a fourth win in a row in all competitions when they take on RCD Espanyol in La Liga later tonight on the Santiago Bernabeu.
Consecutive wins in opposition to Actual Betis, Actual Sociedad, and VfB Stuttgart have helped Los Blancos construct momentum after drawing two of their first three La Liga video games of the season.
Whereas there may be nonetheless loads of room for enchancment, upcoming video games in opposition to the likes of Espanyol and Alaves present the reigning champions an ideal likelihood to chop down the hole to league leaders Barcelona.
Heading into the sport, Carlo Ancelotti has 4 notable absentees within the type of David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz.
With video games coming thick and quick, there may be scope for rotation, with the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Arda Guler, and Endrick ready for his or her alternatives.
With that in thoughts, right here is how Actual Madrid may line up in opposition to the newly-promoted Espanyol outfit on the Santiago Bernabeu tonight.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois was the star of the present for Actual Madrid in midweek in opposition to Stuttgart, pulling off a number of important saves to assist his staff win. His place between the sticks is undisputed.
Very like Courtois, Antonio Rudiger has additionally established himself as a everlasting fixture within the Actual Madrid beginning XI and can maintain on to his place on the coronary heart of the defence.
After that includes in its place within the midweek conflict, Eder Militao is predicted to characteristic from kickoff tonight on the Santiago Bernabeu, which will probably be one of many adjustments that Ancelotti makes.
Dani Carvajal, expected to sign a renewal soon, ought to return to his pure right-back place after beginning the final recreation at centre-back. Ferland Mendy, nonetheless, may very well be given a breather with Fran Garcia stepping in at left-back.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni made his comeback from damage within the recreation in opposition to Stuttgart nevertheless it has been since reported that the Frenchman was not at his 100% on the evening which can have affected his efficiency.
Nevertheless, having had three extra days of relaxation and coaching, the Frenchman is predicted to retain his spot on the base of the Actual Madrid midfield.
In the meantime, Jude Bellingham, who additionally made his return to motion in midweek, also needs to retain his spot within the aspect in opposition to Espanyol.
Federico Valverde ought to be the third central midfielder for Actual Madrid with captain Luka Modric and Arda Guler being choices on the bench once more.
Assault
Regardless of all of the speak about Ancelotti reverting to a four-man midfield and sacrificing a ahead, such a tactic is prone to be utilised in a giant encounter.
As such, tonight in opposition to Espanyol, Los Blancos ought to as soon as once more line up with the famous person attacking trident of Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr.
Summer time arrival Endrick, who has now scored on his La Liga and Champions League debut will doubtless have to attend till subsequent week for his first begin.