Carlo Ancelotti will ring the changes as Real Madrid welcome struggling Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu with the ambition of recording their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions.
James Rodriguez, Pepe and Karim Benzema will all return to the starting line-up after being rested in Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Ludogorets, with Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal also expected to be included.
Ancelotti reserved particular praise for attacking midfielder James, who is gradually starting to look at home with Los Blancos after initially struggling to fill the gap left by Angel Di Maria.
“James is not Di Maria, he is a different type of player,” said Ancelotti. “I’m not going to ask him to do the same things because he has distinct physical and technical characteristics, and he can do things that Di Maria cannot.
“I am happy with him – he is focused, playing well and he will get even better.”
Ancelotti also moved to partially defend Gareth Bale after a relatively quiet period for the Welshman, who has been particularly criticised for a supposed failure to make enough effort in defence.
“Defensive work isn’t an individual question,” added Ancelotti. “Everyone has to give more, it’s not just about Bale. I ask the same things from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.”
After seeing his team concede yet another headed goal from a corner in Bulgaria on Wednesday night, Ancelotti admitted that his training ground work has focussed on improving their set-piece defending.
He said: “We are concerned and we are working to fix it. But we don’t have to be afraid – Madrid is not the only team to concede goals from set-pieces. Barcelona do as well. We’re not happy about it and we’re working on it, but it is something that can happen to anyone.”
Under pressure Athletic boss Ernesto Valverde, however, openly admitted they will attempt to exploit Madrid’s frailties as they attempt to end a worrying run of six games without a win.
“Madrid have weaknesses and we will look for them,” he said. “They can counter-attack better than any other team in the world but we have to play a game in our interests, where they are not comfortable.”
