How Real Madrid could line up against Real Sociedad

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make changes to his starting side for Friday evening's La Liga clash with Real Sociedad.

Los Blancos are in a commanding position at the top of the La Liga table, sitting 11 points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, and they will travel to Germany next week for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.

As a result, Ancelotti is expected to rest a number of important players for this match due to the team's strong position at the top of the division.

Eder Militao could feature from the first whistle, with Ancelotti said to be considering starting him against Bayern next week, with the Brazilian thus far being eased back in after returning from a serious knee injury.

Nacho and Fran Garcia are also in line for spots at the back, with Ferland Mendy set to miss out due to a muscular problem, while Antonio Rudiger could be rested.

Luka Modric, Brahim Diaz and Joselu are also in line for starts, with Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos and Rodrygo potentially being rested on Friday night.

Dani Carvajal was an unused substitute against Barcelona last time out, but he is expected to be brought back into the side here.

Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba will again miss out for Real Madrid due to injury problems, but the former has returned to training after his second knee operation of the campaign and could be back early next month.

There will also be no Jude Bellingham on Friday evening, with the England international out through illness.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, F Garcia; Modric, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Diaz; Vinicius, Joselu