(Football news) Real Madrid will host Athletic Club in a midweek fixture. The Los Blanca’s have won 8 and drawn 1 of their last 9 games in all competitions and are 4 points clear at the top of the table with the possibility to go 7 points clear with a win. Their last game was a comeback 2-1 win against Sevilla. Bilbao on the other hand haven't won any of their last 5 matches as they sit 8th on the La Liga table.
Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos are still a long way away from match fitness for Real Madrid. Eden Hazard and Rodrygo are back in the squad after missing the last game due to Gastroenteritis. Fede Valverde returned to the squad last week against Sevilla playing 17 minutes and was crucial in Real Madrid's comeback. The Uruguayan could start the game alongside Eduardo Camavinga to give some rest to Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. It will be interesting to see if Carlo Ancelotti makes the bold choice of resting Karim Benzema and giving a few minutes to Luka Jovic.
Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr are currently 1st and 2nd on the La Liga top goalscorer's list. The Frenchman is top of the most assists list as well. The pair are without a doubt the X factor of this Madrid team. As for Bilbao, Inaki Williams will be the key in attack who will trouble Eder Militao and David Alaba. Right back Oscar De Marcos will have a very tough challenge as he will be up against Vinicius Jr and Ferland Mendy.
Real Madrid have a very hectic schedule as they played Sevilla last Sunday, they again travel to Real Sociedad on Saturday before hosting Inter Milan next Tuesday. Although Madrid have already secured UCL qualification, they wouldn't be too keen on resting players against Inter as loss would mean that they drop to 2nd place and don't get a favourable draw in the Round of 16. Today's match will be the best opportunity for Ancelotti to rest some of his experienced players.
