Carlo Ancelotti will want three points against Almeria after they lost in the Copa del Rey.

Lucas Vazquez, a utility player, is going to miss the game along with long-term absentees

For Real Madrid, Kepa Arrizabalaga could take over in goal for Andriy Lunin.

It looked like Real Madrid might win more than just the Supercopa de España this season, but Atletico Madrid bєαt them in the Copa del Rey on Thursday night, making those chances much less likely.

Now, every La Liga game is even more important, and a win over Almeria on Sunday afternoon will help Real Madrid get back on top of the table. Their opponents haven’t won a game all season and only have six points, so they should easily win this one. It’s almost impossible that they will be in La Liga next year at this point.

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager, has to deal with defense injuries. Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and David Alaba are still out, and Lucas Vazquez has a minor injury that keeps him out as well.

This is the team that Ancelotti is expected to pick to play when Madrid hosts Almeria.

Almeria: Real Madrid is expected to play a 4-3-1-2 formation.

Key Player: Kepa Arrizabalaga—Even though Andriy Lunin played goal against Atletico on Thursday, Kepa is likely to start against Almeria.

RB: Dani Carvajal. The experienced Spanish player is enjoying the fact that there isn’t much competition at right back right now, which is something Madrid needs to fix in the summer.

Center back: Antonio Rudiger. Rudiger is the best defender Ancelotti has left, and he will get a lot of credit if Real Madrid win La Liga.

Caller ID: Nacho Fernandez – Nacho will do everything he can to lessen the effects of Alaba and Militao’s injuries since he will be playing a lot of games in the middle of defense.

Ferland Mendy (LB) — Mendy has to show something every week because of all the talk about Alphonso Davies possibly coming to the team.

Federico Valverde is Madrid’s main midfielder. Valverde will keep doing what he does and trust the more creative players to finish the job.

• Aurelien Tchouameni, CM Tchouameni, who is now in charge of Madrid’s center, will want to win more than just the Supercopa this season.

Toni Kroos – CM A lot of people think that Ancelotti will put Kroos in center because he is more experienced and rest Eduardo Camavinga.

Jude Bellingham – I AM is still without a goal in 2024, and this is a great chance for Bellingham to make that happen.

ST: Rodrygo—He almost missed the game against Atletico because of an illness, but he played the whole game, so there’s not much reason to think he won’t start here.

ST: Vinicius Jr. gets a warning from Ancelotti for his fιgнt with Diego Simeone. Now is the time for the Brazilian to let his football speak for itself.