Real Madrid will move to the top 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 heap more misery on struggling Valencia. Madrid have been worryingly inconsistent on the road this season, but will hope a couple of weeks off will help them find greater stability on their travels.
Defensive injuries continue to trouble Carlo Ancelotti's squad selections and it remains to be seen whether the issues at the back will be addressed in the January market. However, what Real Madrid lacks in defensive bodies, they make up for with a wealth of attacking options, including their preferred attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrigo and Kylian Mbappe.
Here's how Madrid They could line up for their first game in 2025.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois – The Belgian has conceded seven goals in his last four matches as he becomes increasingly exposed due to injuries. However, Valencia are averaging less than a goal per game in La Liga this season, meaning Courtois will be eyeing his chance to keep a seventh clean sheet in the league this season.
Right-back: Lucas Vazquez – Real Madrid is seeking to sign Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in January Where they find themselves short in the right-back position. Vasquez is the only option between the two teams at the moment and is hardly a leadership figure.
Centre-back: Aurelien Chouamini – David Alaba is expected to make his long-awaited return in mid-January But Tshwamini is likely to keep his place in the back line for now. The midfielder often occupies the centre-back position for Los Blancos.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – A model of consistency for the European champions, Rudiger needed the winter break more than any other Real Madrid player. He has featured in all of his team's matches this season and will start again on Friday.
Left-back: 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 set to continue at left-back in Real Madrid's first game of the calendar year.
Midfielder: Federico Valverde – Valverde has scored twice in his last three matches, and will be tasked with providing energy in midfield against Valencia. He has also appeared in every match for Los Blancos this season.
CM: Edward Camavinga – With Tshwamini dropping back into defence, Camavinga will be the deepest midfielder in the engine room. The Frenchman's minutes have been limited this season but he impressed against Sevilla last time out.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham's early season woes have been severely eliminated over the past couple of months. He has seven goals and five assists for club and country since the start of November.
Right wing: Rodrigo – The Brazilian remains an underrated force at Real Madrid, having scored three goals in his last three matches. He will be keen to punish Valencia's struggling defense on Friday night.
Striker: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe has endured a difficult start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu but has hit his stride in recent weeks. Five goals in the last six matches brought his tally to ten League This term.
Left wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid were not without the winger against Sevilla as they were given four players but they will be very relieved to welcome him back from suspension on Friday. He has scored eight goals in 11 appearances for Valencia previously.
