Asencio, Rodrygo start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Real Madrid can line up against Las Palmas | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to climb to the top of the La Liga standings when they take on UD Las Palmas later today at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos are just a point behind current leaders Atletico Madrid, who fell to a defeat to Leganes on Saturday while arch-rivals Barcelona were also held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe.

A victory today would see Real Madrid go two points clear the Rojiblancos and seven ahead of Barcelona and as such, it is an opportunity too good to let go for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

The reigning champions of Spain and Europe go into the game without superstar forward Vinicius Jr. and captain Luka Modric, both of whom are suspended. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Eduardo Camavinga are out with injury.

But the Merengues have been handed a big boost in the defensive department with David Alaba back in the squad after 13 months out due to his ACL injury.

Having made some notable changes for the Copa del Rey clash against Celta Vigo earlier in the week, here’s how Ancelotti is likely to set his Real Madrid team up today against Las Palmas.

Defence

After being rested for the cup tie on Thursday night, Thibaut Courtois will be back manning the goal for Real Madrid today against Las Palmas.

There will be one solitary change in the defensive line as well, with Ferland Mendy expected to replace Fran Garcia as the starting left-back.

Raul Asencio should continue in central defence for the second game in a row, continuing his rise in prominence in the first-team setup.

Another start beckons. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Antonio Rudiger will be the youngter’s partner at the heart of the backline while Lucas Vazquez occupies the right side of the defence again.

Midfield

Having been moved to the middle of the park in the last game, Aurelien Tchouameni impressed in his natural position and should continue in the role once again, more so with no Camavinga or Modric available for selection.

The French international will most likely be partnered by Federico Valverde in the double pivot for Real Madrid, with the Uruguayan returning to the side after being benched for the cup tie.

Jude Bellingham is another player who will make a return to the starting lineup, featuring as the lone attacking midfielder, hoping to extend his goalscoring streak.

Attack

With Vinicius Jr. unavailable for selection as he serves a two-match ban, the starting spot on the left flank is up for grabs. And everything points towards Rodrygo Goes starting against Las Palmas after not featuring in the lineup against Celta.

Kylian Mbappe, who has been in good goalscoring form of late, will line up as the centre-forward once again and hope to lead his team to a victory. Meanwhile, Brahim Diaz should hold on to his spot on the right side of the frontline for Los Blancos.

It would mean that Endrick will have to make do with a place on the bench despite his match-winning heroics in the Copa del Rey clash this week.