Projected lineups: Real Madrid vs Espanyol

Real Madrid will play against an Asensio-less Espanyol team at the Santiago Bernabéu. That alone should be enough for Madrid to collect all three points and keep the race for the Liga BBVA title alive.

Real Madrid projected XI: Keylor Navas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Modric, Isco, James, Ronaldo, Benzema.

Espanyol projected XI: Pau, Javi López, Álvaro, Óscar Duarte, Duarte, Diop, Sánchez, Hernán, Jordán, Sevilla, Sylla.

Zinedine Zidane is not expected to make rotations for this one as his team is still playing one game a week. The Champions League's Round of 16 is almost upon us and it will be important for Zidane to manage his squad properly as he has a deep roster that will allow him to rest most of his starters in the Liga games.

Some reports from Spain suggest that Jesé could start the match, moving James to the midfield and leaving Isco on the bench.