Cristiano Ronaldo is included from the off despite recent injury problems, as Real Madrid look to kick off their La Liga campaign in winning style against Cordoba.
The newly-promoted outfit will have their work cut out to take anything from Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but welcome a raft of new players to hopefully keep them afloat.
Toni Kroos is handed his League debut for the hosts, with marquee summer signing James Rodriguez playing in the interior midfield role recently vacated by the outgoing Angel Di Maria, while Iker Casillas retains his place in goal.
Marcelo features at left-back, with Fabio Coentrao struggling due to a sprained knee.
Sami Khedira is not included, as the capital club granted the Germany international permission to move on. Both Asier Illarramendi and Isco, however, bide their time to make an impact from the substitutes' bench this evening – where they are joined by new goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
Sergio Ramos and Pepe are central defensive partners, while Dani Carvajal is displaced by Alvaro Arbeloa at right-back. Cordoba have every right to be concerned, with Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Ronaldo in attack.
Jese remains the only long-term injury absentee for Ancelotti's men.
Albert Ferrer's visitors put faith in summer signings Mike Havenaar and Ryder Matos, who will be unleashed in attack after joining from Vitesse and Fiorentina respectively. New loanee Fede Cartabia will have to wait for his opportunity after signing for a year from Valencia.
Recent signing Inigo Lopez is given a baptism of fire for his debut in defence. Cordoba may wish to put on a show for their fans on their long-awaited 42-year return to La Liga, but los Blancos' transfer business has given them quality and squad depth perhaps unrivalled across the division.
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, James; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
Cordoba: Juan Carlos; Gunino, Inigo, Pantic, Crespo; Rossi, Garai, Pinillos, Lopez Silva; Ryder, Mike
