After a lengthy absence, La Liga has finally begun with Rayo Vallecano’s trip to Getafe. This weekend features two major matchups: Girona will host Atletico Madrid, while Villarreal will play Valencia.

In the midst of everything, Real Madrid will welcome Mallorca to the Santiago Bernabeu with the intention of increasing their lead in the standings. Carlo Ancelotti will face difficulty against the Palma team, who have won their past six games.

Due to an ACL tear, both of Madrid’s starting center backs will be sidelined, leaving them without several important players. Additionally, Ferland Mendy is out indefinitely. Due to his suspension, Captain Nacho won’t be playing tomorrow.

Antonio Rudiger is the only experienced center back that Ancelotti has available due to the numerous injuries sustained by the defense. Who begins beside the German, though, is a question that is almost certain to be asked.

Defense: Tchouameni returns to the CB

“I have considerable doubts, so I haven’t decided between Kepa and Lunin for the goalkeepers. I also don’t have the authority to decide now for the remainder of the season. In his news conference, Ancelotti stated, “I’ll take it game by game” in reference to the club’s goalkeeping position.

He did, however, reveal that Kepa has had flu-like symptoms. As a result, he will miss tomorrow’s game, which will allow Andriy Lunin to play.

This season, Aurelien Tchoumaeni made one appearance as center back for Real Madrid, which defeated Osasuna 4-0. Despite expressing his desire to avoid playing there once more, the Frenchman is forced to start as a CB due to this injury situation.

Antonio Rudiger is a lock to start, and he will line up in the backline with Daniel Carvajal and Fran Garcia, who will occupy the left and right back positions, respectively.

Midfield: Kroos keeps things tight.

Toni Kroos becomes essential when Tchouameni contributes to the backline and Eduardo Camavinga isn’t yet well enough to be on the team. He ought to be Ancelotti’s starting pivot in Madrid’s somewhat redesigned 4-2-2-2 lineup tomorrow.

He’ll be partnered in deep midfield by Federico Valverde. In addition, he will occasionally try to create breadth by scuttling over to the right flank and holding the defensive fort. Luka Modric ought to be in this midfield as well, virtually as a no. 8.

Jude Bellingham has been nothing short of a superhero for the Madrid team this season, and the supporters are at a loss for words. Permission to crash the box should be granted to him as he is the most advanced midfielder in this system.

Attack: Is Brahim able to maintain his form?

Madrid has not had any difficulty scoring goals this year. Their forwards appear to acquire purple patch form at the ideal moment, enabling them to win challenging matches.

Together, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz have contributed 18 goals this season, indicating an amazing run of play.

Particularly the latter has performed better than expected lately, putting on outstanding displays against Real Betis, Granada, and Napoli. Tomorrow, the two ought to be Madrid’s top-squad pairing.

Off the bench

For the first time since the 5-1 victory over Valencia, in which he scored two goals, Vinicius Jr. is back on the roster for the match tomorrow. Ancelotti will be cautious with him, but in the end, he will most certainly give himself fifteen to twenty minutes to stretch his legs.

Alvaro Carrillo, who was called up from Real Madrid Castilla, may play tomorrow, making his debut, since the season may need his services.

Arda Guler is included in the squad list for the game as well; if his condition is deemed to be at 100%, he may finally make his eagerly anticipated debut.

In the end, Joselu’s arrival seems all but certain as Ancelotti attempts to rest his attackers in advance of a jam-packed January schedule.