Real Madrid will be taking a trip to Mestalla as they face Valencia in what should seem to be a tricky contest. Los Blancos with 34 points are currently on level terms with FC Barcelona but are second in La Liga due to the goal difference. However, with that being said Zidane will expect his side to get maximum points in order to keep the pressure of Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Valencia finds itself 8th in the league wit 26 points and have won four games of their last five in the Spanish League. Considering Valencia’s recent form and home support, Real Madrid will have to dig deep in order to get a vital win.
Match Details
Date- Monday, December 16 | Kick-Off- 1:30 AM (IST) | Venue- Mestalla
Valencia
With Kevin Gameiro and Maxi Gomez, Rodrigo should persist with Vallejo, Moreno and Torres upfront. First-team goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen’s calf injury keeps him ruled out and should make way for Jaume Domenech to keep between the sticks. Cristiano Piccini, Gonzalo Guedes, Lee Kag-In are also on the sidelines due to injury.
Real Madrid
Ferland Mendy is undergoing suspension and will make way for Nacho to start at left-back. Talisman, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale are expected to lead the attack for the visitors. Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Valverde are likely to accommodate midfield for Zinedine Zidane. Marco Asensio, James Rodriguez, Lucas Vazquez, Marcelo and Eden Hazard are all ruled out due to injuries.
Valencia- Domenech; Gaya, Paulista, Garay, Wass; Soler, Coquelin, Parejo; Vallejo, Moreno, Torres
Real Madrid- Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Nacho; Kroos, Casemiro, Valverde; Modric, Bale, Benzema
Rodrigo Moreno has been pivotal at the number nine position for Valencia. Moreno has two goals and has also registered six assists with a pass accuracy of 79% in the league this season.
Karim Benzema has been in the form of his life for Real Madrid this season. The veteran centre-forward has 11 goals and five assists while having a pass accurac of 86% in 14 appearances in the league this season.
Daniel Parejo has been a key player on the right hand side for Valencia. Parejo has bagged six goals while also having two assists with a pass accuracy of 86% from 15 appearances in the league this season.
Luka Modric in Real Madrid’s midfield often brings in the creativity in tight games such as these. The Croatian international has two goals, four assists and a pass accuracy of 90% 10 appearances in La Liga this season.
Team 1
Goalkeeper- J Domenech
Defenders- D Carvajal, S Ramos, G Paulista, J Gaya
Midfielders- T Kroos, L Modric, D Parejo, G Bale
Forwards- K Benzema, R Moreno
Team 2
Goalkeeper- J Domenech
Defenders- J Gaya, E Garay, R Varane, D Carvajal
Midfielders- Casemiro, L Modric (C), D Parejo, G Bale
Forwards- R Moreno, K Benzema