Real Madrid resume their La Liga title defence on Sunday when they head to struggling Valladolid.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team thrashed Salzburg 5-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday to take a big step towards the knockout phase and make it three wins and 14 goals scored since their Supercopa de Espana thrashing by Barcelona.
Valladolid are rock-bottom of the standings after 20 matches, having taken only 15 points to date this season. Still, consecutive 1-0 wins at home in league play have given them a little bit of belief in their battle against relegation.
The Sporting News looks at the latest team news and predicted lineups.
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Valladolid vs. Real Madrid lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Eray Comert suffered a hamstring injury against Real Betis and is not expected back until at least some time in February. With Juma Bah tipped to leave the club in the transfer window, Valladolid are looking light at the back.
Raul Moro had surgery this week on a fractured collarbone and is also out, while winger Ivan Sanchez is doubtful.
Valladolid predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Hein (GK) — L. Perez, Ozkacar, J. Sanchez, Rosa — K. Perez, Juric, Martin — Anuar, Andre, Diedhiou
Injured: Comert (hamstring), Como (collarbone), I. Sanchez (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
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Madrid will welcome back Lucas Vazquez, who missed the midweek game through suspension. That should see Federico Valverde restored to midfield, perhaps alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, who started the win over Dinamo Zagreb on the bench.
David Alaba got close to half an hour as a second-half substitute and could be in line to start this weekend as he continues to build up his fitness. Vinicius serves the second game of his suspension, so Arda Guler could start in his place.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy — Tchouameni, Valverde — Rodrygo, Bellingham, Guler — Mbappe
Injured: Carvajal (knee), Militao (knee), Camavinga (hamstring)
Suspended: Vinicius
Valladolid vs. Real Madrid live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | — | ESPN+, Fubo |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK | Premier Sports 2, La Liga TV | Premier Sports Player |
| Australia | beIN Sports 2 | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |