How Real Madrid could line up against Valencia

Real Madrid will be without the services of five first-team players for Sunday evening's La Liga clash with Valencia, which will see the top two sides in the table lock horns.

Toni Kroos, Marcelo, Ferland Mendy, Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos are all out, but David Alaba is expected to be available despite some recent fitness concerns.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is unlikely to make many changes from the side that started Wednesday's 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League.

Luka Modric came through the match unscathed after his recent injury problems, and the Croatia international should again line up alongside Federico Valverde and Casemiro in midfield.

There could be a change in the final third of the field, though, with Rodrygo, who came off the bench to score the winner against Inter, potentially coming in for Lucas Vazquez.

Karim Benzema is a certain starter in attack and should again be joined by Vinicius Junior, but Eden Hazard is unlikely to be considered for a start and is expected to be on the bench.

Eduardo Camavinga has now featured twice off the bench for Los Blancos following his arrival from Rennes, and the Frenchman should again be among the substitutes on Sunday night.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Modric, Casemiro; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius