Arguably the biggest game of Real Madrid’s season so far takes place on Saturday evening when they host title challengers Girona.
The incredible form Girona have shown this season means they can leave the Santiago Bernabeu as La Liga leaders with their destiny in their own hands with a win. However, Madrid are the team in charge having opened up a two-point lead over Michel’s side.
Neither side will have their best starting lineup available due to injuries and suspensions, with Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti waiting on three key players to prove their fitness in the buildup.
Here’s the team he is likely to pick when Madrid host Girona on Saturday.
GK: Andriy Lunin – With Thibaut Courtois still out for the count and Kepa Arrizabalaga now out of favour, Lunin will start again. Who would have thought the Ukrainian and Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena would start so many games for the Clasico rivals this season?
RB: Dani Carvajal – Had to play at centre-back against Atletico Madrid with Rudiger out injured, but as long as the German is fit, Carvajal will return to right-back.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – There is genuine hope that Rudiger will be back for this game. With David Alaba and Eder Militao sidelined, it would be a disaster if he were to miss out.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – Potentially the only currently fit centre-back at the club, Nacho’s importance has grown massively in recent weeks.
LB: Ferland Mendy – A player consistently linked with either a departure or a replacement, Mendy is still maintaining a good level of performance.
CM: Federico Valverde – The real energy in the midfield, Valverde is a player Ancelotti trusts more than almost any other. He will try to make life tough for Girona’s talented midfielders on Saturday.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – The depth Madrid have in midfield is incredible, but they suffered when Tchouameni was injured. He will try to dictate things from midfield on Saturday again.
CM: Toni Kroos – A player who can do a fair share of dictating himself, Kroos is a contender to start here. Eduardo Camavinga may not be fit enough to play, while Luka Modric is also an option.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Scored when the teams faced off earlier this season and will be desperate to do the same again. Bellingham hasn’t been as prolific of late compared to earlier in the season, but he can be backed to re-find that form.
ST: Rodrygo – His seven La Liga goals this season are a few less than he might have wanted, but Rodrygo has also had to adapt to a more central role. This would be a good time to score another goal or two.
ST: Vinicius Junior – Another player who might not make it back in time, Vinicius will start if his neck injury heals. He was missed in the Atletico draw, but Ancelotti has Joselu to call on if needed.
