Real Madrid will face Valencia on Saturday, aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the league table in La Liga. With a six-point advantage over Girona, a victory against Valencia could help solidify their position and potentially extend their lead.However, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is facing challenges, particularly in the defensive unit, with key players like Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to injuries. This situation puts pressure on Ancelotti in terms of team selection.##NAJAVA_MECA_7918296##Reports from Diario AS suggest that Italian coach is considering a makeshift central defensive pairing of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni for the match against Valencia. Tchouameni previously played alongside Rudiger at centre-back in a match against Mallorca earlier in the season, where Real Madrid secured a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory with Rudiger scoring the winning goal.Although Dani Carvajal is set to return from suspension, Ancelotti may opt to continue with Tchouameni in the central defensive role due to the young Frenchman’s impressive performances. Tchouameni has garnered praise for his displays at centre-back, drawing comparisons to Javier Mascherano by former Spanish coach Roberto Moreno.Masava backs Homeboyz to floor Talanta and bag tenth win of the seasonWhile Carvajal and Nacho Fernandez are additional options for Ancelotti, Nacho is dealing with discomfort, and Ancelotti is hesitant to risk his inclusion in the lineup. Therefore, Tchouameni is likely to retain his place in defence alongside Rudiger for the upcoming match against Valencia.LA LIGAFriday 23.00: (1.90) Celta (3.60) Almeria (4.50)Saturday16.00: (2.60) Sevilla (3.05) Sociedad (2.95)18.15: (1.85) Rayo Vallecano (3.50) Cadiz (5.10)20.30: (2.15) Getafe (3.25) Las Palmas (3.90)23.00: (5.60) Valencia (3.70) Real Madrid (1.65)Sunday 16.00: (1.65) Villareal (3.70) Granada (5.60)18.15: (1.60) Atl.Madrid (4.10) Betis (6.25)20.30: (3.30) Mallorca (3.35) Girona (2.35)23.00: (3.00) Ath.Bilbao (3.50) Barcelona (2.45)Monday23.00: (2.40) Osasuna (3.10) Alaves (3.20)***odds are subject to change
