Karim Benzema, the man of the hour against rivals Atletico Madrid, is likely to retain his spot in the starting 11, despite competition from Vinicius Junior, who saved Zinedine Zidane's blushes against Real Sociedad earlier this month.

Skipper Sergio Ramos has been slowly edging his way back into the fold since his injury, but Saturday's game may come a bit too soon for him to return to the starting XI, so Nacho is expected to feature alongside Raphael Varane.

Both Marco Asensio and Rodrygo were ineffectual at times against Atleti and if there are any question marks in the side, it is those two wide positions. Zidane is short on wide players and is likely to start the two again.

Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos have been imperious once again this season and have provided a real backbone for the champions, so all three are likely to start once more.

Lucas Vazquez, the team's most versatile squad member, has proven again and again why he is so valuable to the club this season, and Real Madrid's golden boy will likely feature at right-back this weekend.

Ferland Mendy has been gathering accolades ever since he scored the winner in Real Madrid's 1-0 victory over Atalanta two weeks ago. The fan favourite who "didn't even know how to celebrate" his first-ever Champions League goal, is expected to face Elche this weekend.

Real Madrid possible starting lineup: Courtois; Vazquez, Varane, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Asensio