Real Madrid travel to the Basque country to take on Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday as they look to keep up their strong form in La Liga .
Los Blancos have won their last three games in the league, outscoring their opponents 9-0 in the process. Madrid are fresh off a 2-0 win over city rivals Getafe over the weekend, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé getting on the scoresheet.
Carlo Ancelotti's side are only one point behind league leaders FC Barcelona in the La Liga standings, with a game in hand.
Real have struggled in their UEFA Champions League campaign, however, losing three of their first five games in the competition. Liverpool are the latest team to get one over the defending European champions, claiming a 2-0 victory at Anfield last Wednesday.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, have enjoyed a great start to their domestic season, sitting in fourth place with 26 points after 15 games. The Lehoiak are undefeated in their last nine games in all competitions, and have won three on the bounce.
Athletic have been brilliant in Europe as well, undefeated through five games in the Europa League, and currently occupying second place in the competition standings.
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Athletic Club
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham
Every single La Liga game can be streamed on ESPN+ in the United States, with Spanish language broadcast being offered on ESPN Deportes. For those tuning in from Canada, you can find the action on TSN+.
When: Wednesday, December 4 – 3PM ET / 12PM PT
Where: San Mames, Bilbao
TV/Streaming in the United States: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
TV/Streaming in Canada: TSN+
Athletic Club Projected Lineup vs Real Madrid
athletic club
Ernesto Valverde will have some of his key players back in the fold when his squad hosts Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Midfielder Beñat Prados is set to return to the lineup following a one-match ban, likely resuming his role in a double pivot alongside Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta.
Oscar de Marcos, Dani Vivian and Unai Simon are all expected to also be in the squad, but it is unlikely that all three get a start. Oihan Sancet is expected to be on the team sheet despite picking up a slight ankle knock in Sunday's win over Rayo Vallecano.
Veteran midfielder Ander Herrera is ruled out of the fixture due to a hamstring injury.
Athletic Club predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Julen Agirrezabala (GK) – Oscar de Marcos, Yeray Alvarez. Aitor Paredes, Yuri Berchiche – Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Beñat Prados – Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams – Alvaro Djalo.
Real Madrid Projected Lineup vs Athletic Club
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid in 2024
Despite a handful of long-term injuries to important players, Madrid have been chugging along in La Liga, and could be getting some reinforcements on Wednesday.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to return to the squad, but is likely to start on the bench as his manager eases him back in. Jude Bellingham is also expected to play despite leaving the tie with Getafe with a neck issue.
Brazilian forward Rodrygo should also be a starter, lining up alongside Mbappé as the pair look to feed off one another in the attack.
Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Jr, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba are unavailable for selection due to injury.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy – Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham – Brahim Diaz, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe.
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