Real Madrid have announced their starting eleven for their upcoming game against Espanyol.
With the title race almost out of the grasp, the club are looking to build some solid momentum heading into next weekend’s El Clasico against Barcelona.
Amid reports of tensions inside the dressing room, coach Alvaro Arbeloa has made a few changes to the team that were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis.
With Kylian Mbappe out, Vinicius Junior is set to lead the Real Madrid attack alongside Brahim Diaz, meaning Gonzalo Garcia has to settle for a place on the bench.
In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni returns and is set to partner Thiago Pitarch and Federico Valverde, as Real Madrid look to dominate the proceedings in the middle of the park.
This allows Jude Bellingham to operate further upfront and play as a number ten, offering the creativity behind Vini Jr. and Diaz.
In defence, Arbeloa has not made too many changes. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy continue as fullbacks, whereas Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger form the central defensive pairing.
Andriy Lunin continues in goal, hoping to register a much-needed clean sheet after conceding multiple goals in recent matches.
