Real Madrid take a full strength squad to take on Valencia at the Mestalla knowing that they cannot miss the opportunity of closing the gap on bitter rivals FC Barcelona who were held to a draw by Espanyol.
Atletico Madrid went in top of the table with their win and Real Madrid cannot afford to begin the new year by missing the opportunity to close the gap of Barcelona and keeping the pace up with Atletico Madrid.
Ramos, Carvajal back for Real
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit will have the services of captain Sergio Ramos who is fit in time to take on Gary Neville’s men and is expected to come in the XI right away.
Dani Carvajal is also fit, however, Danilo will retain his place in the XI at the expense of the Spanish International.
Lucas Vasquez might have scored against Sociedad, but, the trio of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema should ensure he is not a part of the XI.
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Navas, Danilo, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, James, Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema
Gaya a doubt for Valencia; Mustafi likely to start
Jose Luis Gaya, the Valencia leftback, is doubtful with injury wrecking havoc for him. Defender Lucas Orban is likely to take his place in the XI.
In the centre of the defence, Mustafi should be able to recover from his injury and partner Abdennour.
Valencia still have the likes of Feghouli, Rodrigo and Diego Alves out and is likely to have an impact on their performance given their importance to the XI.
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Predicted Valencia XI (4-3-3): Juame, Barragan, Mustafa, Abdennour, Orban, Parejo, Fuego, Gomes, Piatti, Cancelo, Alcocer