La Liga, Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Projected lineups

Carlo Ancelotti almost confirmed Real Madrid's starting XI during his pre-match press conference. The Italian coach announced that Asier Illarramendi will be starting in the midfield instead of Khedira, implying that he will play alongside Isco and Kroos. Upfront, Ancelotti also explained that Gareth Bale will move to Real's left wing in order for James to play on the right, with Karim Benzema as the center-forward.

The defensive line should not change after the win against Córdoba. Carvajal, Varane, Ramos and Marcelo are all set to start after completing a whole week of training. Pepe is still out with an injury and it will be interesting to see if the Portuguese defender regains his starting spot once he's back. Unless Marcelo experiences some kind of a setback -- he had minor problems that forced him to leave the pitch last week -- , Coentrao will remain on the bench for this one too.

Real Madrid's Projected XI: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Illarramendi, Isco, James, Bale, Benzema.