Real Madrid take on Valencia on Sunday looking to start 2015 with a win that would make it 13 consecutive victories in La Liga.
Los Blancos ended a run of 22 win in all competitions by losing to AC Milan in a friendly game at Dubai, and they are eager to make up for their poor performance.
Sergio Ramos and Marcelo are doubts for Carlo Ancelotti. The Spaniard forced to play the Club World Cup final despite having picked a muscle injury in the semi-final. He went on to score a decisive goal to win the title, and has been undergoing a special recovery process since then.
Meanwhile, Marcelo has also been suffering a thigh muscle problem since the Club World Cup final. The club doctors have not determined yet whether he’s fit to play or not. Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane could replace Marcelo and Ramos.
James Rodriguez will make his La Liga return after recovering from his calf injury. On the other hand, Luka Modric will remain on the sidelines.
Valencia’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo will miss holding midfielder Javi Fuego, but the Spaniards absence could leave way for new signing Enzo Perez to make his debut. The Argentinian arrived from Benfica this week on a 25-million-euro deal.
Possible line-ups:
Valencia: Alves; Mustafi, Otamendi, Orban; Feghouli, Parejo, Gomes, De Paul, Gaya; Negredo, Alcacer.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Coentrao; Bale, Isco, Kroos, James Rodriguez; Benzema, Ronaldo.
