Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Valencia - La Liga | OneFootball

Real Madrid will move to the summit of La Liga on Friday if they beat Valencia.

The defending champions return from their winter break with a trip to the Mestalla, looking to pile further misery on struggling Valencia. Madrid have been alarmingly inconsistent on the road this term but will hope that a fortnight of rest can help them find greater stability on their travels.

Defensive injuries continue to upset Carlo Ancelotti's team selections and it remains to be seen whether or not issues at the back will be addressed in the January market. However, what Madrid lack in defensive bodies they more than make up for with a glut of attacking options, including their preferred forward trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe.

Here is how Madrid could line up for their first game of 2025.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Valencia (4-3-3)

Vinicius Junior is back from suspension / Diego Souto/GettyImages

GK: Thibaut Courtois - The Belgian has conceded seven goals in his last four outings as he becomes increasingly exposed due to injuries. However, Valencia are averaging less than a goal per game in La Liga this term, meaning Courtois will fancy his chances of a seventh league clean sheet this term.

RB: Lucas Vazquez - Madrid are pushing to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January as they find themselves short at right-back. Vazquez is their only senior option at present and hardly cuts a commanding figure.

CB: Aurelien Tchouameni - David Alaba is expected to make his long-awaited return in mid-January but Tchouameni is likely to retain his place in the back four for the time being. The midfielder has often filled in at centre-back for Los Blancos.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - The model of consistency for the reigning European champions, Rudiger needed the winter break more than any other Madrid player. He has featured in all of his side's matches this term and will start again on Friday.

LB: Fran Garcia - Ferland Mendy's disappointing form has opened the door for Garcia. The 25-year-old has started three of the last four matches and is primed to continue at left-back for Madrid's first game of the calendar year.

CM: Federico Valverde - Valverde has scored two in his last three appearances and will be tasked with providing the energy in midfield against Valencia. He has also featured in every game for Los Blancos this term.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga - With Tchouameni dropping into defence, Camavinga will be the deepest-lying midfielder in the engine room. The Frenchman's minutes have been limited this term but he impressed against Sevilla last time out.

CM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham's early season woes have been firmly banished over the past two months. He has seven goals and five assists for club and country since the beginning of November.

RW: Rodrygo - The Brazilian continues to be an underappreciated force for Madrid, with three goals in his his last three games. He will be keen to punish a struggling Valencia defence on Friday night.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Mbappe endured a rough start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu but has hit his stride in recent weeks. Five goals in his last six matches has boosted his tally to ten in La Liga this term.

LW: Vinicius Junior - Madrid didn't miss the winger against Sevilla as they bagged four but they will be mightily relieved to welcome him back from suspension on Friday. He's scored eight in 11 matches with Valencia previously.