Real Madrid could have their last chance to overtake Barcelona in La Liga as the Spanish Football Players Association (AFE) has called a strike and the last two dates of the championship could be suspended.
AFE are protesting for the Government not including them in the drawing of the new law that regulates football broadcasting rights. The have called for a boycott on the last games of the season, meaning that Barcelona could be the La Liga champions if they beat Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Los Blancos hope that Real upset the Azulgranas a couple of hours before they host Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu in the most difficult match they have remaining in the tournament.
Valencia are fighting for the third spot of the table and are a very dangerous side. They will try to take advantage of the physical effort Real made this week against Juve.
Carlo Ancelotti will still miss Luka Modric but he will recover Karim Benzema, who is completely recovered from his knee injury. Yet, the Frenchman could start from the bench, leaving his spot for Chicharito, although he will surely have minutes of play in the second half.
Some players will rest ahead of the crucial second leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League. Alvaro Arbeloa could come in for Daniel Carvajal and Asier Illarramendi could feature in midfield. Sergio Ramos will surely return to the center of defence, sending Raphael Varane to the bench.
Nuno Espirito Santo will only miss striker Rodrigo, who is suspended for three games after being shown a red card in their game against Rayo.
Possible line-ups:
Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo; Bale, Illarramendi, Kroos, James Rodriguez; Chicharito, Ronaldo.
Valencia: Alves; Barragan, Mustafi, Otamendi, Gaya; Feghouli, Parejo, Javi Fuego, Enzo Perez, De Paul; Alcacer.
