Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid: Projected lineups

Tough away for Real Madrid. It's never easy for Los Blancos to play at Vallecas. The small pitch and the intense atmosphere always make it difficult, though it's the possession-oriented style what might cause Real Madrid trouble.

Rayo Projected XI: Álvarez, Tito, Castro, Amaya, Insúa, Trashorras, Jozabed, Embarba, Bueno, Kakuta, Manucho.

Real Madrid Projected XI: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, James, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Gareth Bale has finally recovered from the small injury he suffered on his left foot and has been included on the team's list. However, Carlo Ancelotti might decide to keep him on the bench and start both James and Isco -- the Colombian would play on Bale's spot -- in order to have more control. If things don't go well for Madrid, Bale could always be a supersub who would increase and improve Real madrid's firepower. Other than that, Carvajal will be back on the team's starting right-back.