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Real Madrid are back in action following their Champions League win over Chelsea when they face Cadiz on Saturday night.
Los Blancos will take a two-goal lead to Stamford Bridge next week after goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio and a number of players from that starting XI are expected to be rested in Andalusia.
Here’s the side Carlo Ancelotti may deploy as Real look to strengthen their grip on second place in La Liga.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Other players from Wednesday’s starting XI will be rested but regular goalkeeper Courtois won’t be one of them.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – A great work horse out wide who can come up with moments of attacking quality occasionally.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Left out against his former club, Rudiger will have an opportunity here to show why he should feature at Stamford Bridge next week.
CB: Eder Militao – Only Valverde (23) has started more league games for Real this season than Militao (21).
LB: Nacho Fernandez – A jack of all trades these days. Ferland Mendy’s injury means Eduardo Camavinga filled in at left back again in midweek, but the Frenchman could be rested with Nacho coming in.
CM: Federico Valverde – Displayed his ever-improving goal threat against Chelsea while recovering the ball frequently to keep the visitors penned in.
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CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Real’s big summer signing wasn’t trusted in midfield in midweek, having endured a middling campaign so far.
CM: Dani Ceballos – Does a Nacho-esque life at Real beckon for Ceballos? The Spaniard is often linked with moves away from the Bernabeu but will pick up starts in games like this as long as he hangs around.
RW: Marco Asensio – Grabbed Real’s second against Chelsea off the bench and could be rewarded with a start in attack here.
ST: Rodrygo – Karim Benzema has already started four games in April and is due a rest. Rodrygo has been similarly deployed but may be switched into a central role.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Absolutely flying at the minute, setting up both of Real’s goals against Chelsea. Was called the best left winger in the world recently by Thierry Henry.
