Team News: Javier Hernandez starts for Real Madrid against Valencia

Javier Hernandez has kept his place in Real Madrid's starting lineup for their La Liga clash with Valencia at the Bernabeu.

The Mexican, who has scored three goals in four games, retains his place as manager Carlo Ancelotti decides not to risk Karim Benzema, with the ex-Lyon forward having missed the previous six games through injury.

Otherwise, Los Blancos have named a star-studded lineup with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Isco all featuring for Real, who trail Barcelona by two points going into today's fixtures. Luka Modric and Sami Khedira remain sidelined.

Diego Alves is passed fit for Valencia after suffering an injury in the victory against struggling Eibar last weekend.

Paco Alcacer leads the visiting attack, while Alvaro Negredo is on the bench for Los Che.

Real Madrid: Casillas, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Ronaldo, Kroos, James, Bale, Hernandez, Arbeloa, Isco Subs: Navas, Marcelo, Carvajal, Nacho, Lucas, Illarramendi, Jese

Valencia: Alves, Gaya, Otamendi, Mustafi, Barragan, Fuego, Gomes, Parejo, Feghouli, Alcacer, Piatti Subs: Rodriguez, Cacelo, Orban, Vezo, Perez, De Paul, Negredo

Find out what the Sports Mole Sofa team had to say about the match ahead of kickoff:

Follow all the action from the Bernabeu with Sports Mole's live text coverage.