Line-ups: Espanyol-Madrid

Dani Carvajal and Isco, as expected, come into the fold for Real Madrid’s trip to Espanyol in La Liga this afternoon.

Injuries to Danilo and James Rodriguez during the international break have afforded the pair a welcome opportunity to stake their respective claims in the side.

Elsewhere for Los Blancos, Pepe replaces Raphael Varane in central defence, while Casemiro partners Luka Modric in the middle of the park at Toni Kroos’ expense.

Former Periquitos Kiko Casillas and Lucas Vazquez, however, only make the substitutes’ bench for their first return to Cornella-El Prat as Madrid players.

Espanyol, on the other hand, will pay tribute to legendary striker Raul Tamudo, who retired earlier in the week, prior to kick-off.

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Espanyol: Pau; Arbilla, Alvaro, Ciani, Duarte; Sevilla, Sanchez, Lopez, Alvarez; Gerard, Caicedo

Subs: Bardi, Raillo, Fuentes, Canas, Montanes, Jordan, Sylla

Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro; Isco, Bale, Ronaldo; Benzema

Subs: Casilla, Arbeloa, Varane, Kovacic, Kroos, Vazquez, Jese

Referee: Bikandi Garrido

La Liga - Club News