Bellingham and Modric start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid will take on Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 27 of La Liga as they look for three important points that would help them remain in contention for the title. The Whites were beaten 2-1 by Real Betis last weekend and have won just one out of their previous five matches in the Spanish top flight, so there is enough pressure on them to turn things around.

With the Champions League games on either side of the Rayo game in mind, however, Carlo Ancelotti is likely to rest some key players which consequently means a number of fringe options are expected to get the nod. Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde are those in contention to miss out, while Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo are confirmed absentees owing to injuries.

Having said that, here is a look at the the Whites could line-up.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Courtois is likely to keep his place in goal ahead of Andriy Lunin.

Right Back – Lucas Vazquez

Vazquez might come in at right back ahead of Valverde, who is still not fully fit.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Asencio may continue at centre back having emerged as an indispensable option in recent months.

Centre Back – David Alaba

Alaba could start beside Asencio with Rudiger expected to rest for the game.

Left Back – Fran Garcia

After a couple of games on the bench, Fran Garcia may replace Ferland Mendy at left back.

Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni has regained his old form and is likely to be preferred to Eduardo Camavinga as the number six.

Right Midfielder – Luka Modric

With Camavinga expected to return to the bench, Modric might be handed a start in midfield.

Left Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Bellingham’s return from suspension will see him come right back into the line-up, very likely ahead of Brahim Diaz.

Right Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo scored in the midweek game against Atletico Madrid and will look to build on that with another goal as he is likely to start versus Rayo as well.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe has not scored a goal in his last three games and will look to find his feet once more when he leads the line in Sunday’s game.

Vinicius is likely to complete Ancelotti’s preferred three-man attacking trident by playing on the left wing.