Real Madrid host Real Sociedad this afternoon in La Liga and will be looking to avenge the shock 4-2 defeat they experienced back in August.
Los Blancos will have to do so without Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits out the first of his two-game ban for his sending off against Cordoba last weekend. Carlo Ancelotti has plenty of options to choose from including Jese Rodriguez, who is looking to build up his match fitness having overcome a serious knee injury.
The Italian boss did give some team news on Friday and suggested Asier Illarramendi will play against his former club. The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu but Ancelotti insists he is very much part of his plans. Meanwhile, new arrival Lucas Silva could make his Real debut, most likely from the bench.
“He’s in good physical shape although he’s not at peak fitness yet because his season only began on January 7,” Ancelotti told reporters.
The only absentees other than Ronaldo are the injured Luka Modric and Pepe.
David Moyes brings his Real Sociedad team to the Spanish capital in somewhat erratic form. His side beat Barcelona last month, but have won just one game since then – a 1-0 win over Elche. Former Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero should take his place in the starting 11.
Probable line-ups:Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Illarramendi, Kroos, Isco; James Rodriguez, Benzema, Bale
Real Sociedad: Rulli; Elustondo, Gonzalez, Martinez, Yuri; Granero, Pardo; Vela, Prieto, Canales; Agirretxe
