Real Madrid have the chance to climb to the top of La Liga on Thursday night when they travel to mid-table Getafe.
Surprise package Girona have led the way at the start of 2024 with Madrid missing a gameweek due to their Supercopa adventures, but their game in hand over Michel’s side is coming up.
With both title hopefuls winning at the weekend, Girona’s lead at the summit is just a point. Madrid were forced to come from behind to beat Las Palmas on Saturday, and another tough outing at Getafe is expected in midweek.
Here’s how Carlo Ancelotti could set his Madrid side up.
GK: Andriy Lunin – There was no clean sheet for Lunin last time out, but the goalkeeper did make a couple of tremendous saves.
RB: Dani Carvajal – After scoring the winner against Almeria, the full-back had a goal ruled out in Saturday’s win as Carvajal becomes increasingly involved in the final third.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – A constant in the Madrid backline, Rudiger will be looking to get the better of former Madrid striker Borja Mayoral on Thursday.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – It’s about time Ancelotti had some continuity in the backline. Rudiger has had his fair share of partners this season, but the skipper is finally enjoying a run in the team after returning from a suspension at the start of the year.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Rotation is expected at left-back after Fran Garica got the nod on Saturday. Mendy is poised to come back into the side on Thursday.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Ancelotti could reward the match-winner with a starting berth in midweek. Eduardo Camavinga drops out despite his majestic assist for Vinicius Junior’s equaliser.
CM: Federico Valverde – Valverde finally earned some respite at the weekend as he made an appearance off the bench. The midfielder is a shoo-in to start at Getafe, where his presence will be vital.
CM: Luka Modric – The guile of Modric could be useful up against Getafe’s ruggedness. although the majestic veteran surely won’t last the entirety of what’s set to be a physical contest.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Madrid’s newest superstar will return to the team after serving a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation.
ST: Vinicius Junior – The Brazilian’s strike on Saturday was superb and he’s been in fine form at the start of 2024.
ST: Joselu – Rodrygo, on the contrary, has failed to match his compatriot and Ancelotti could make a change to his frontline by bringing in target-man Joselu.
