Athletic Bilbao v Real Madrid preview and possible lineups

Athletic Bilbao:

Young goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start between the sticks against ‘Los Blancos’, who are reportedly desperate to sign him.

Markel Susaeta is likely to start ahead of Inigo Cordoba on the left-wing, but a major blow for the hosts is that centre-back Aymeric Laporte is suspended.

Real Madrid:

Gareth Bale made his long-awaited return from injury hell in Real's 2-2 draw with Fuenlabrada in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, but Zinedine Zidane has ruled him out of this encounter due to a 'niggle'.

Keylor Navas is fit again and should start in goal, while Sergio Ramos will return in central defence after recovering from a nose injury suffered against Atletico Madrid last month.

Recent form:

Possible lineups:

Athletic Bilbao: Kepa, Boveda, Nunez, Etxeita, Balenziaga, Iturraspe, Rico, de Marcos, Williams, Susaeta, Aduriz.

Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Casemiro Kroos, Modric, Isco, Ronaldo, Benzema.