Real Madrid lost top spot in La Liga last weekend, but they can reclaim it – for 24 hours at least – with victory over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Xabi Alonso has big decisions to make with his squad following the Madrid derby drubbing last Saturday, which was eased somewhat by a convincing midweek victory over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League. And perhaps the biggest centres of Jude Bellingham, who has not been at his best since returning ahead of a schedule from shoulder injury.
Bellingham was a starter against Atletico Madrid, but was benched in Kazakhstan. And according to Marca, he will remain out of the line-up when Villarreal head to the Spanish capital, as Alonso is expected to choose Arda Guler and Franco Mastantuono over him.
Real Madrid can count on Eder Militao for this one as his ankle injury sustained last weekend was not serious, while Raul Asencio keeps his place at right-back. Alvaro Carreras is in for Fran Garcia, with Federico Valverde also making his returning to the starting XI in place of Dani Ceballos.
As for Villarreal, they are also planning changes from their own Champions League exploits in midweek. Luiz Junior is set to return to the line-up as Arnau Tenas prepares to return to the substitutes’ bench, while there is always to be places from the start for Sergi Cardona, Thomas Partey and Alberto Moleiro.
Big three points on offer ahead of international break
This match is one of the big contests of MD8, with 2nd hosting 3rd. Real Madrid will start as favourites, but there will be some uncertainty on the back of the Madrid derby defeat last weekend – and Villarreal will fancy their chances of taking advantage of this when proceedings get underway at 9pm CEST.
