Gareth Bale will make his debut with Real Madrid at Villarreal, in a clash in which Los Blancos seek to maintain their 100 per cent start to La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side is suffering an injury crisis, with Fabio Coentrao, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Raphael Varane and Isco out for their visit to El Madrigal Stadium.
On the other hand, Asier Illarramendi returns from a two-month-long period on the sidelines and will be picked for the starting eleven, as Ancelotti has admitted.
The Italian manager has also confirmed that Gareth Bale will play his first minutes, although he hasn’t revealed whether he will start at the left-back or will come in from the bench. Alvaro Arbeloa and Nacho Fernandez are the main candidates to replace Marcelo in the defense.
Los Merengues sit fourth in the table, with the same points than Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, as they have all won their first three matches of the season.
Marcelino Garcia’s side has been strong at home in the last year, losing only three games, but Real are favourites to maintain their winning start. Real have not lost any of their last six meetings, and have won 17 of their 26 encounters.
The main threat in Villarreal’s arsenal is their attack, as they have scored eight goals in three matches.
Defender Bojan Jokic and midfielder Francisco Farinos are a doubt for the hosts.
Possible line-ups:
Villarreal: Asenjo; Costa, Dorado, Musacchio, Mario; Cani, Bruno, Trigueros, Aquino; Pereira, Perbet.
Real Madrid: Diego Lopez; Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal; Casemiro, Illarramendi; Ronaldo, Modric, Di Maria; Benzema.
