Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make a few big changes to his starting line up when his team takes on Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey last 16 on Thursday.
Los Blancos are currently nursing tired legs following their successful Spanish Super Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia.
They played 210 minutes across two matches in total, which includes a draining 5-3 extra time win against Atleti and then an impressive 4-1 final pummelling of bitter rivals FC Barcelona in El Clasico.
According to OK Diario, Ancelotti “won’t make massive rotations” but only the starting berth of goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who looks to have dislodged loanee Kepa between the sticks, appears to be secure.
At least three players in Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric and the in-form Brahim Diaz have a good chance of getting into the first XI as Toni Kroos, Ferland Mendy and one of the two strikers in hat trick hero Vinicius Jr. or Rodrygo is given a rest.
A simple shift here would see the versatile Camavinga come in at left back for Mendy while Modric replaces his fellow veteran Kroos.
Brahim being introduced means that one of the Brazilians sits on the bench, with a view to reintroducing them for Sunday’s La Liga fixture at the Bernabeu versus Almeria.
None of this is written in stone, however, as Modric could take Fede Valverde’s place meaning Kroos keeps his.
With Vinicius in such blistering form, Ancelotti might not want to slow him down which makes Jude Bellingham a candidate for the chop alongside Rodrygo in order to accommodate Brahim.
Camavinga could head into the center of the park as well, as Fran Garcia mans left-back at Mendy’s expense.
Last time out against Atleti at the Metrpolitano, however, Garcia did not put in the best of performances in a 3-1 loss for Madrid though he has improved since.
In light of the sensational win in Riyadh over Simeone’s men, Madrid now seeks fresh revenge on Spanish shores after Ancelotti vowed that his team would defend its Copa del Rey title and is looking to win what would be his 12th trophy in the dug out for the club.