Real Madrid continue the defence of their LaLiga title on Sunday afternoon when they welcome Las Palmas to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have been under fire following another implosion in El Clasico last weekend during the Supercopa de Espana final. Barcelona, who have already beaten Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu this season, triumphed 5-2 in the showpiece event.
Having been humbled by their fiercest foes last weekend, the last thing they needed was a late collapse on Thursday night. Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead late in their Copa del Rey duel with Celta Vigo, needing extra-time to overcome the Galician outfit.
Carlo Ancelotti will be praying for a much simpler affair on Sunday as Las Palmas venture to the capital, but injuries and suspensions will force the Italian coach to make some unwanted decisions as Madrid look to keep pace with table toppers Atletico Madrid.
Here is how Madrid could line up.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Las Palmas (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois - Offered a rest midweek against Celta after shipping five last weekend, albeit none of the goals could be blamed on the towering goalkeeper. Las Palmas have been regular scorers this season despite their struggles, with Courtois needing to be on high alert.
RB: Lucas Vazquez - Having been humiliated by Raphinha in the Supercopa, Vazquez produced a steadier performance against Celta. Madrid desperately need right-back reinforcements in January but will likely have to wait until summer for prime target Trent Alexander-Arnold.
CB: Raul Asencio - With defensive injuries still plaguing Madrid, 21-year-old Asencio has been offered a surprising amount of first-team football this term.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - David Alaba's imminent return is an enormous boost for Madrid but the absence of Eder Militao for the remainder of the campaign means Rudiger will be offered few rests between now and the summer.
LB: Ferland Mendy - Fran Garcia could be missing on Sunday following an injury sustained in the cup but Mendy was likely to start regardless. The Frenchman appears to have reclaimed his starting spot having been dropped before Christmas.
DM: Federico Valverde - The Uruguayan will prove bundles of energy in midfield and will likely be a greater attacking force than defensive enforcer on Sunday.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The knives have been out for Tchouameni this season, especially following some error-strewn and unconvincing displays at centre-back. With Eduardo Camavinga now in the treatment room and Luka Modric suspended, the Frenchman should be employed in his preferred holding midfield role on Sunday.
RW: Rodrygo - One of Madrid's better performers in the Supercopa final, even scoring an excellent free kick to reduce the deficit in the second half. The speedy winger will be keen to grab a first goal against Las Palmas.
AM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham finished last year in exceptional form and has largely picked up from where he left off at the beginning of 2025. He's scored twice since returning from the winter break, including a dramatic 95th-minute winner in Madrid's last LaLiga outing.
LW: Brahim Diaz - Vinicius Junior is suspended for Sunday's clash after being sent off against Valencia and it will be either Diaz or Arda Guler tasked with replacing his creativity. The Morocco international may get the nod.
ST: Kylian Mbappe - The French forward has now scored six in his last nine appearances, including in Madrid's previous two fixtures. He's found form at the perfect moment in the season as Los Blancos look to kick on.
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