Real Madrid will continue their bid to keep pace with an in-form Barcelona when they host Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on Tuesday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men made it four wins in succession across all competitions when they swatted Espanyol aside 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu last weekend. However, Barca have flown out of the blocks to win six out of six and lead the embryonic table by four points.
Ancelotti will be mindful to use his resources wisely this midweek. Madrid's injury list has eased slightly, especially in midfield as Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni have started each of the past two matches. However, the small matter of a derby showdown across town against Atletico Madrid on Sunday is looming on the horizon.
If Los Blancos' focus is compromised by El Derbi, then Alaves might be well-placed to capitalise following a quietly impressive start to the campaign. Luis Garcia Plaza's men lie seventh after chalking up a third win in their opening six matches against Sevilla last time out.
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Real Madrid vs. Alaves lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Jude Bellingham took a knock to his shoulder against Espanyol and might rest up on the bench here. Conversely, Vinicius Junior and Endrick were on the bench at the weekend and might come in from the start.
Dani Carvajal was withdrawn after an hour due to an ankle injury, meaning Lucas Vazquez is poised to slot in at right-back.
Eduardo Camavinga is still sidelined with an MCL injury, while Dani Ceballos nurses ankle damage and Brahim Diaz has a hamstring issue. David Alaba is a long-term absentee.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy — Valverde, Tchouameni Guler — Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Injured: Camavinga, Ceballos, Diaz, Alaba, Carvajal
Suspended: None
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Garcia has no injury concerns aside from goalkeeper Jesus Owono being sidelined with a muscular injury.
Winger Carlos Vicente and striker Toni Martinez will carry Alaves' major threat and have two goals apiece this season.
Alaves predicted XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Sivera (GK) — Tenaglia, Abqar, Sedlar, Sanchez — Guevara, Jordan — Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin — Martinez
Injured: Owono
Suspended: None
Real Madrid vs. Alaves live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | ESPN Deportes | Fubo, ESPN+, WatchESPN |
| Canada | — | TSN+ |
| UK | — | Premier Player, LaLigaTV |
| Australia | — | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |
