Jose Mourinho will be sweating on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Arbeloa, both of whom returned from international duty with thigh and hamstring strains respectively. However, the two players are expected to shrug off the knocks to start against Unai Emery's men. Angel Di Maria is however out for a month with a knee problem, meaning Kaka will likely start, with Mesut Ozil edged out to the right hand side.
Real Madrid have several players returning from injury including Ricardo Carvalho and Fabio Coentrao, although the pair are likely to sit out the visit to Valencia.
Marcelo will be back in contention following an injury, while Nuri Sahin could start his first game in the white shirt of Madrid.
One man who will not be featuring for Valencia is Sergio Canales, who is on loan from Madrid and will miss most of the season with a serious injury. The home side are also unable to call upon Ever Banega or Hedwiges Maduro.
Despite his double on international duty for Brazil, Jonas is likely to be named as a substitute with Pablo Piatti a candidate to play behind Roberto Soldado. Pablo Hernandez could come into the team on the right wing.
Watch Live:
Match Detais:
Spanish Primera BBVA
19th Nov 2011
KO 15:00 GMT
Ground: Mestalla
