Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will be hoping his side can continue their push for another league title on Sunday with all three points against Athletic Bilbao.

The capital side sit just two points behind their cross-city rivals Atletico and know anything but a complete victory will be needed to keep the pressure on Diego Simeone’s team.

Fortunately for Zidane, Madrid should be able to rely upon a somewhat consistent back line of Miguel Gutierrez, Diego Militao, Nacho and Alvaro Odriozola, with Marcelo returning from injury to offer more options on the bench. Raphael Varane remains out of action for the time being.

However, in midfield the Madrid manager will have to get creative after Toni Kroos was forced to self isolate in midweek and will almost certainly miss Sunday’s game. As such we’re likely to see Federico Valverde come into the side to partner Casemiro and Luka Modric in the middle of the pitch.

With Eden Hazard still struggling to show his worth to this side, Zidane is likely to keep the former Chelsea star on the bench in favour of Vinicius Jr on one flank and Marco Asensio on the other, while Karim Benzema keeps his typical spot up front.

How Real Madrid could line up against Athletic