Rayo Vallecanovs.Real Madrid

Pelayo Fernandez and Raul de Tomas unavailable for selection, but the hosts, who currently occupy 12th spot in the La Liga table, are otherwise in strong shape heading into their clash with Los Blancos.

Rayo were 1-0 winners over Valencia last time out, with Pathe Ciss coming up with the only goal of the contest, and the 30-year-old will continue in the middle of midfield on Saturday night.

Head coach Inigo Perez would have been delighted with what he saw from his side at Mestalla, so it could be a case of same again in terms of the starting XI, with no fresh issues being reported.

Alvaro Garcia, Isi Palazon and Jorge de Frutos are set to continue as the attacking three behind centre-forward Randy Nteka.

As a result, Adri Embarba, Sergio Camello and James Rodriguez are likely to have to accept positions on the bench this weekend.

Unai Lopez is another who will be in the manager's thinking when it comes to potential changes, and while a 4-3-3 formation cannot be ruled out, it is expected that the hosts will continue in their 4-2-3-1 set-up against the reigning champions.

Rayo Vallecano possible starting lineup: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, A Garcia; Nteka

Written by

Matt Law