Venue: Estadio de Mestalla
Date: 03/01/2016
Kick-off: 7:30 PM GMT / 02:30 PM EST
Television coverage: Sky Sports 3/HD; beIN Sports en Español, beIN Sports USA
Online Streaming: fuboTV (USA), Sky Go (UK)
The Strongest Possible Lineup for Real Madrid against Valencia
Formation – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Keylor Navas made a host of good saves in the clash against Real Sociedad and his contribution was undoubtedly important in helping Madrid to victory.
Now with Valencia up next, Navas will have to continue his good form in order for Los Blancos to claim a victory and the Costa Rican is most likely to be up for the challenge.
Defence
With Sergio Ramos out with injury, Nacho was handed a start alongside Pepe at the heart of the defence for Madrid.
Raphael Varane made the bench against Sociedad but it is unlikely that the Frenchman will be risked and Nacho is expected to start once again. That said, Ramos making a return to full fitness for the clash also remains a possibility.
In the wide defensive positions, Marcelo and Danilo are the undisputed selections at the moment and look set to be starting against Valencia. Dani Carvajal has made a return to fitness but he might just earn a place on the bench.
Midfield
It was the midfield trio of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric who started against Sociedad and the trio is expected to lineup at the Mestalla as well.
Mateo Kovacic and Casemiro have featured on a consistent basis for Madrid though and it would not be a surprise if one of the duo earns a start if Benitez decides to change things around in midfield.
Attack
Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a brace against Sociedad and there are no question marks at all regarding his potential selection while even Gareth Bale has been showing fine form of late.
Karim Benzema put in a lot of effort in the clash against Sociedad but with the likes of Lucas Vazquez and Isco desperate for starts as well, the Frenchman will need to score goals to keep his place in the starting lineup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Navas; Danilo, Nacho, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, James, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema
