4-3-3: Predicted Real Madrid starting eleven vs Espanyol: Asensio, Isco and Ronaldo to start

Real Madrid host Espanyol in the late La Liga fixture on Sunday.

The Los Blancos are currently sixth on the La Liga standings, seven points behind Barcelona. Real Madrid's opponents on Sunday are currently 13th, three points behind their host.

Real Madrid laboured to a 2-1 win over Alaves in their last La Liga outing, but followed that up with an impressive 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in Germany on Wednesday. Zidane's men will be looking for a third successive victory for the first time this season.

Keylor Navas should start in goal as usual.

Real Madrid's defensive fragility still continue, as Zidane has only four senior defenders available.

Dani Carvajal should start at right back. He was impressive in the win over Dortmund. 

The duo of Sergio Ramos and Varane should continue at centre back. Nacho's versatility has been a big plus to the team. He should fill in at left back in Marcelo and Theo Hernandez's continued absence.

Dani Ceballos was the star in the 2-1win against Alaves last week, but with the trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos available, and the international break coming after this, Zidane will want to play the indefatigable trio. Ceballos should make a substitute appearance.

Gareth Bale is a doubt for the match, after being substituted late into the match against Dortmund. Zidane confirmed after the match that the Welshman had a swollen on his calf. He also missed training on Thursday.  With his recent injury records, it remains to be seen if Zidane will play him from the start.

With or without Bale, Real Madrid have enough quality in attack. Isco and Marco Asensio should start on either side of the attack, while Cristiano Ronaldo leads the line once again.

The Portuguese is yet to score in the La Liga this season, but has been lethal in the Champions League, scoring four goals in two matches.