Predicted XIs Real Madrid-Girona: Injury boosts for Carlo Ancelotti, visitors make two enforced changes | OneFootball

One of the biggest matches of the La Liga season takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening, as first-placed Real Madrid host Girona, who are only one position and two points behind them in the table. The result in this one could have a huge bearing come the end of the season.

The match comes at a pretty good time for Real Madrid, as they prepare to welcome back Antonio Rudiger and Vinicius Junior, two players that missed last weekend’s Madrid derby. Aurelien Tchouameni also returns from suspension, which is vital considering that Nacho Fernandez misses out through injury.

All three are projected to start, and they will be the only changes according to Marca. Rudiger will come in for Nacho, Tchouameni replaces Lucas Vazquez, meaning that Dani Carvajal will return to his natural right-back position, and Vinicius will take the place of Brahim Diaz, despite him scoring against Atletico Madrid.

While this one comes at a good time for Real Madrid, the same cannot be same for Girona, who are without Daley Blind, Yangel Herrera and head coach Michel Sanchez due to suspension. Juanpe is in line to start in the centre of defence alongside Eric Garcia, while Arnau Martinez is projected to replace Herrera, meaning that Yan Couto would play in a more advanced position on the right wing.

One very good piece of good news for Girona is that Artem Dovbyk returns from injury, he will replace Portu in attack.

This should be a cracking game in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid will be fully aware that a victory would significantly increase their chances of winning La Liga, but Girona should not be discounted at all, as they look to continue their miracle season.