After a convincing 3-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona on the weekend, Real Madrid turn their attention towards Elche tomorrow. Los Blancos are flying high right now, and will want to build on their form after going three points clear in the La Liga table.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men were not lacking morale in any way, shape, or form, but will be especially motivated following France Football’s Ballon d’Or ceremony yesterday. Karim Benzema picked up the prestigious golden ball, while Thibaut Courtois was given the Yashin Trophy for the Best Goalkeeper in Europe.

Meanwhile, Elche are already drowning in La Liga. Ranked rock-bottom, Jorge Almiron and co. are the only team in Spain yet to win a game. Out of nine so far, they have registered three draws and six defeats while conceding 21 goals – four more than the next worst.

This game is a perfect opportunity for Ancelotti to rotate his team, keeping the key players fresh for the game against Sevilla on the weekend. Here is how we, at Madrid Universal, think Real Madrid will lineup tomorrow.

Starters

Thibaut Courtois missed the game against Barcelona, among others, due to a nerve injury. He has been replaced by Andriy Lunin, who has been largely impressive in every aspect of the game. The Ukrainian will continue in goal vs Elche, as well.

He will have the aid of a back-four, featuring at the very least, one change. We expect Antonio Rudiger to replace David Alaba in the heart of the backline. Eder Militao has been used carefully to avoid injuries, but the Brazilian will continue in his starting spot alongside the German.

Lucas Vazquez is in contention to start as the right-back, but following a largely solid display from Dani Carvajal on the weekend, we predict no changes there. The same goes for the left side, where Ferland Mendy will continue to start.

Toni Kroos was arguably the best player on the pitch for Madrid during El Clasico, setting up the first goal beautifully. It is hard to debate against his inclusion in the XI, but Eduardo Camavinga should replace Luka Modric on the other side of the centre.

Aurelien Tchouameni will continue to anchor the midfield from the base after a set of really impressive performances. The Frenchman has settled in seamlessly under Ancelotti and will hope to build on his solid start.

Following suit so far, there might be one change in the attacking line as well. Kroos claimed Valverde was a top-three player in the world following his display against Barça, but the Uruguayan needs to be preserved ahead of a hectic season.

Not to mention, Rodrygo more than deserves a shot in the starting lineup. He has looked comfortable in every position so far this season and could replace Valverde on the right wing tomorrow night.

Karim Benzema will be eager to cap off his amazing week so far with a goal or two starting as the striker. The lineup should be rounded off by none other than Vinicius Jr on the left side of the forward line.

Vinicius · Benzema · Rodrygo
Kroos · Tchouameni · Camavinga
Mendy · Rudiger · Militao · Carvajal
Lunin

Substitutes

Should he start from the bench tomorrow, there is no looking past Valverde as one of the definite substitutes. He can execute multiple roles to perfection and could be called in as either a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or winger.

Not to forget Modric or Vazquez, both of whom have been largely faultless this season. The latter, especially, would appreciate a run-in, hoping to win the right-back spot from Carvajal.

In attack, Marco Asensio makes for a strong case to replace one of Vinicius or Rodrygo. And if Madrid look comfortable enough, you could also make a case for Eden Hazard, who has largely been poor at every opportunity.