4-4-2: Predicted Real Madrid starting XI vs Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid travel to face Athletic Club at the San Mamés on Saturday as they seek to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive. 

Real Madrid laboured to a 2-2 draw against Fuenlabrada on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey without a number of senior players as they made it to the round of 16.

Keylor Navas returned to the starting eleven on Wednesday but made a howler that led to a goal. He is the team's first choice goalkeeper and will retain his position on Saturday.

Carvajal should start at right back. Sergio Ramos is billed to make his return on Saturday. He has missed the team's last three matches. He's been training with a face mask over the past few days and should start at centre back. Varane has been Ramos' best defensive partner so far season. He should start alongside the Real Madrid captain. Marcelo should keep his place at left-back.

The trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are available. They've established themselves as the team's best combination in midfield. All three were rested against Fuenlabrada on Wednesday. They should all start.

Marco Asensio is a doubt for the match. Isco has been one of  Zidane's most trusted players. He should start in the number 10 role, a more central role where he looks more efficient.

Ronaldo and Benzema played together as strikers in Madrid's last league outing against Málaga. They both scored one goal and had a good number of chances. Playing  Ronaldo as a striker means he has little of physical work to do as he concentrates more on goal scoring, having the room to roam more in the box.

In Bale's absence once again, I will like to see Ronaldo and Benzema play together up front.