Real Madrid will be looking to increase the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona when they play host to Valencia on Thursday evening.

Los Blancos enjoyed a 3-1 victory over Eibar upon the return of the Spanish top flight last weekend, and Zinedine Zidane's side currently lie two points behind Barca as things stand.

Quique Setien's side will be able to move five points clear at the top of the table should they overcome a struggling Leganes side on Tuesday evening, but the title race is expected to go down to the wire with Real determined to clinch their first title since 2017.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Real Madrid could line up for the clash with Valencia at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

Out: Luka Jovic (foot), Nacho (thigh), Lucas Vazquez (calf)
Doubtful: Mariano Diaz (toe), Gareth Bale (fatigue), Dani Carvajal (ankle)

> Click here for Real Madrid's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Fixtures are coming thick and fast for Zidane's side in the Spanish top flight, but the Real manager has a number of missing players to contend with for the midweek clash with Valencia.

Luka Jovic, Nacho, and Lucas Vazquez are all expected to sit this one out, while Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal and Mariano Diaz are also doubts for Thursday.

Carvajal is expected to recover from a twisted ankle in time to slot in at right-back, however, with Bale's possible absence leaving Zidane the choice of Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior or Marco Asensio to start on the right flank.
Alternatively, the Galacticos manager could opt for a narrow midfield with Isco in the number 10 role.

Eden Hazard marked his return from a long layoff with an assist in Real's victory against Eibar, and the Belgian is once again expected to provide support to Karim Benzema up top.

Federico Valverde was named among the substitutes for last Sunday's fixture, but the Uruguayan could be in line for a start over Luka Modric alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro in the middle of the park.

Ferland Mendy could be given the chance to feature from the first whistle at left-back with Marcelo reportedly struggling for match fitness, and Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos and Thibaut Courtois are all shoo-ins to start.

Should Carvajal fail to recover in time for the visit of Valencia, Eder Militao could potentially deputise at right-back in the Spaniard's absence.