Real Madrid will look to get back to winning ways when they host Levante UD in La Liga action on Saturday.
Los Blancos are reeling at the moment, having suffered a heartbreaking loss to FC Barcelona in the Spanish Supercup final on Sunday, followed by a shocking upset at the hands of second-tier side Albacete in the Copa Del Rey in midweek.
Interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over from the dismissed Xabi Alonso this week, will be desperate to register his first win as first team manager and quiet the media storm brewing around the club at the moment.
Madrid still sit second in the league table, four points off leaders Barca. They beat Real Betis 5-1 in their last La Liga outing to start the New Year.
Levante, meanwhile, find themselves at the bottom of the standings, stuck in 19th place and just one point ahead of last-placed Real Oviedo. The Granotes have won just three of their 18 games after finishing first in the Segunda Division and earning promotion last season.
Their form has been better of late, earning points in their last three league games, including a 3-0 win over Sevilla on Jan. 4.
The Galacticos prevailed 4-1 in the reverse fixture back in September thanks to a Kylian Mbappé brace.
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Levante
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior speaking
When: Saturday, January 17 – 8AM ET / 5AM PT
Where: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Where to watch/stream in the United States: ESPN, ESPN+
Real Madrid vs Levante Betting Odds
Real Madrid forwards Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo
Real Madrid to win: -750
Draw: +700
Levante to win: +1200
Both teams to score (Yes/No): -118 / -108
Over/Under 3.5 goals: -140 / +112
Kylian Mbappé first goalscorer: +160
Vinicius Jr anytime goalscorer: -160
Jude Bellingham to score or assist: -190
Odds courtesy of FanDuel.
Levante Team News and Predicted Lineup
Etta Eyong
Luis Castro has found some magic with Levante since taking over as manager in late December, and he'll hope his men can take advantage of a wounded Real side on Saturday.
Winger Etta Eyong should be back in the starting lineup after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, while top scorer Ivan Romero is expected to operate as the lone striker.
Levante will take a healthy group to the Spanish capital, with Roger Brugue, Unai Elgezabal and Victor Garcia the only absentees.
Levante predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Matthew Ryan (GK) – Jeremy Toljan, Adrian De La Fuente, Matias Moreno, Manu Sanchez – Pablo Martinez, Unai Vencedor – Etta Eyong, Carlos Alvarez, Iker Losada – Ivan Romero.
Real Madrid Team News and Predicted Lineup
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa
Arbeloa rested a number of key players in the defeat to Albacete, and he'll hope they'll be fresh enough to make a difference on Saturday.
Kylian Mbappé should be back in the starting 11 after missing out on the Copa Del Rey tie, reuniting with Vinicius Jr in the attacking line. Arda Guler could complete the trident, taking Rodrygo's place in the starting lineup.
Dani Carvajal's return could move Federico Valverde back into the midfield, where he'll likely line up alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois (GK) – Dani Carvajal, Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras – Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham – Arda Güler, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
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