Real Madrid will be hoping to get back to the top spot of the La Liga standings on Saturday as they travel to the Ipurua Municipal Stadium to take on Eibar.
The Los Blancos conceded their position at the top of the league to Barcelona, following a 3-3 draw against Las Palmas at home on Wednesday night. But they will be hoping to bounce back with a positive result against Jose Mendilibar’s side who occupy the seventh position in the league. Eibar came away with a point at the Santiago Bernabeu last time when the two teams met and Madrid will be hoping to avoid another such result come weekend.
Manager Zinedine Zidane will not be able to call upon winger Gareth Bale who will be suspended following a red card against Las Palmas. Defender Raphael Varane still remains available after injuring himself last week. And full-backs Danilo and Fabio Coentrao will be missing for the Spanish capital outfit.
With recent results not going their way, we expect Madrid to take the field with their strongest possible XI.
Predicted Real Madrid line-up to face Eibar:
Formation: 4-3-3
Keylor Navas (GK)
Has been under a lot of flak in recent weeks due to some high-profile errors in goal. But he should keep his place in goal on Saturday ahead of teammate Kiko Casilla.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
The Spanish full-back has been one of the most consistent performers for Madrid this season. With Danilo still out injured, he will start against Eibar.
Pepe (CB)
Having conceded thrice at home last week, Zidane will ring in the changes and we expect the experienced Pepe to slot in at the heart of the defence in place of Nacho.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The captain will partner Pepe at the centre of defence. Madrid have been conceding a lot recently and Ramos has been culpable at times. He will be hoping to put in a better display on Saturday evening.
Marcelo (LB)
The Brazilian left-back cut a frustrated figure post Madrid’s draw midweek. Will look to provide inspiration with his attacking forays down the left-flank.
Casemiro(DM)
The Brazilian international will operate in the deepest position in the midfield and play the role of the enforcer. Madrid struggled in his absence on Wednesday and he should be in for a call-up this weekend.
Luka Modric (RCM)
Was left out in favour of Isco against Las Palmas. But given the result on Wednesday, should be reinstated in the midfield by Zidane.
Toni Kroos (LCM)
Did not enjoy much joy playing in a slightly deeper role on Wednesday. Will keep his place in the line-up though, ahead of the likes of Mateo Kovacic and James Rodriguez.
Lucas Vazquez (RW)
With Gareth Bale out suspended following a red card against Las Palmas, we expect Lucas Vazquez to slot in on the right-side of the attacking trident.
Cristiano Ronaldo (LW)
The talismanic Portuguese spared the blushes for Madrid once again on Wednesday. Has found his goal-scoring touch and will keep his place in the starting line-up.
Karim Benzema (ST)
The Frenchman has struggled for goals in recent times, but should feature from the start against Eibar on Saturday for Madrid.