?Real Madrid return to domestic action in La Liga this weekend desperate for three points as they look to close the widening gap to early leaders Barcelona after a mixed start to the campaign.
Zinedine Zidane saw his team secure a 3-1 win in Germany against Borussia Dortmund in Europe during the week and will hope that form continues into Sunday when Espanyol are the visitors to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Here’s a look at the starting XI the coach could pick.
Goalkeeper
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Navas1
?Surprisingly, Real haven’t kept a clean sheet in La Liga since the opening game of the season.
Keylor Navas was also denied a shutout in the Champions League this week by a single goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Defence
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Carvajal2
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S. Ramos4
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Varane5
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Nacho6
?Raphael Varane will celebrate signing a new long-term contract by playing his 197th game for the club after initially arriving as a teenager from Lens in 2011.
Injuries to both Marcelo and Theo Hernandez will likely see Nacho continue to fill in on the left, despite it being an unnatural position for the centre-back.
Midfield
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Isco22
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Kroos8
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Modric10
?Casemiro could be the one who makes way in the team rotation in midfield this week.
Toni Kroos and reigning UEFA Midfielder of the Year Luka Modric should give Real full control in the middle of the park with their influence and passing abilities.
Kroos has managed to complete 92% of his La Liga passes so far this season (WhoScored).
Forwards
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Vázquez17
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Ronaldo7
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Asensio20
?Gareth Bale may be forced to miss the game as a precaution after a calf problem flared up during the closing stages of the midweek win over Borussia Dortmund.
That could mean a place for Lucas Vazquez in the lineup, while Marco Asensio is likely to be given an advanced role in the continued absence of Karim Benzema.
Let’