Real Madrid aim to make it six wins on the bounce when they host the struggling Valencia on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Xabi Alonso’s side are flying high following a stellar performance in El Clásico that saw them dispatch bitter rivals Barcelona with authority to go five points clear atop the standings. Victory against Valencia on Saturday would see them take a temporary eight-point lead, increasing the pressure on their chasers.
Valencia are a struggling side there for the taking. Winless in their last five league matches, Carlos Corberán’s side have fallen into the relegation zone.
Still, there are a few situations Alonso must address. A knee injury will sideline Dani Carvajal for considerable time. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to training, though it’s hard to envision him getting the nod after a lengthy absence.
Vinicius Junior had an outburst after getting substituted in El Clásico and although everything seems to have been solved, he could be given a night off. The Brazilian’s absence might not be a direct consequence of his recent action, though, but rather part of Alonso’s rotations with a Champions League bout against Liverpool at Anfield coming three nights later.
Here’s how Los Blancos could lineup against Valencia to begin November.
