Carlo Ancelotti will not be able to start neither Ramos nor James in tonight's away match against Almería. The Spanish defender is suspended due to yellow card-accumulation while James is still recovering from the calf injury that forced him to leave Real's match against Celta.
Therefore, the Italian coach will most likely start Raphaël Varane in the middle of the defensive line, with Asier Illarramendi having yet another chance to start and make his case for future presences in the starting lineup in James' spot.
Almería coverage
Almería coverage
Real Madrid Projected XI: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Kroos, Illarramendi, Isco, Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema.
Illarramendi and Isco's role in this midfield is yet to be confirmed, as the Basque midfielder could either play deep alongside Kroos when Real Madrid are defending. But Ancelotti might want to move Kroos forward when Real are attacking in order to get the best out of his long-range shooting. It should be noted that even though Kroos has been brilliant as Real Madrid's playmaker, that wasn't his natural position until he joined Los Blancos.