Expected XI Rayo Vallecano-Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti forced to make a change, expected to make another

With Girona not playing until Monday, Real Madrid can open up an eight-point lead at the top of La Liga when they make the short trip to take on Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon.

Vallecas is typically one of the most difficult grounds in the league, and especially for Real Madrid and Barcelona. This could especially be the case for Los Blancos this weekend as they face Inigo Perez in his first match as Rayo's new coach.

Carlo Ancelotti is without Antonio Rudiger and Jude Bellingham through injury, and Ferland Mendy is also missing, serving a one-match suspension after picking up a fifth yellow card against Girona. Fran Garcia will come into the side as a result, as he prepares to face his former club.

AS Diary I also believe Toni Kroos will be rested to give some much-needed minutes to Luka Modric, whose future at the club this off-season continues to look bleak.

For Rayo, AS Diary they predicted that there was only one change despite the new manager. That would see Oscar Trejo return to the side, with Kike Perez dropping to the bench.

Vallecas will be right for it, like Vallecano Ray aim for a good start under Perez. Real Madrid he will need to deal with this, as he aims to continue his superb form with another victory.