Real madrid team news vs valencia: predicted line up – bale decision

Zinedine Zidane has a couple of big selection decisions to make when Los Blancos travel to the Mestalla to face Valencia tonight (8.30pm). Real Madrid head into the match on the back of an

unconvincing home win against minnows Huesca at the weekend, where a late Karim Benzema goal was required to seal all three points. Isco and Dani Ceballos were also on target in the 3-2

victory while Gareth Bale struggled out wide, having been trusted with more game time by Zidane since his return to the Bernabeu. Despite his below-par performance, the Welshman is expected

to start again as Real look to see off a Valencia side which has lost just four league matches so far this season. However, Lucas Vazquez offers an alternative for Zidane if Bale is dropped

while Marco Asensio is likely to start on the opposite flank in place of Brahim Diaz Benzema will keep his position as a lone striker but the midfield should completely rotate with Casemiro,

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric all set to return. Marcos Llorente made his comeback from injury against Huesca but missed training on Tuesday and is not likely to be risked. Meanwhile, Nacho is

suspended so Raphael Varane will return alongside Sergio Ramos in the heart of defence. Alvaro Odriozola should continue to deputise for the injured Dani Carvajal at right-back while

Marcelo has ousted Sergio Reguilon on the other side of the back four. Thibaut Courtois missed training once again this week so Keylor Navas is almost certain to start in goal, although

Zidane’s son Luca was selected against Huesca. Vinicius Junior remains sidelined for Los Blancos while Valencia have injury issues of their own with Cristiano Piccini and Francois Coquelin

both sidelined. Madrid won the reverse fixture 2-0 earlier this season and smashed Valencia 4-1 last time they visited the Mestalla in January 2018. REAL MADRID PREDICTED LINE-UP VS VALENCIA

– LA LIGA (4-3-3): Navas; Odriozola, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Modric, Kroos; Bale, Asensio, Benzema