Rayo Vallecano vs Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane's Best Available Blancos Lineup

Real Madrid visit Rayo Vallecano in this Madrid derby in La Liga on Sunday night as they look to secure Champions League qualification. Los Merengues will be

Real Madrid visit Rayo Vallecano in this Madrid derby in La Liga on Sunday night as they look to secure Champions League qualification.

Los Merengues will be without captain Sergio Ramos who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the last couple of weeks. They will also be without right back Álvaro Odriozola, who sustained a broken collarbone in training which will keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Rayo Vallecano are bottom of La Liga, battling to avoid relegation and have suffered the blow of being unable to play their top goalscorer Raúl de Tomás, who is on-loan from Real. He has a clause in his loan deal which prevents him from playing against his parent club unless Rayo pay a fee. The home side have requested that Real allow de Tomás to play in this fixture but this proposal is expected to be rejected by Los Blancos.

Here's how Zidane's side could line up come kick off.

Goalkeeper and Defenders

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Keylor Navas (GK) - After spending three seasons as Real Madrid's first choice goalkeeper, the 32-year-old Costa Rican was relegated to the role of back-up following the arrival of Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea in the summer. Following Zinedine Zidane's return at the helm, Navas has once again become first choice, playing in six of the seven La Liga fixtures under the Frenchman.

Dani Carvajal (RB) -The 27-year-old has struggled for form this season but has still featured in 20 La Liga games. His excellent passing and crossing ability have been key components of Real's success in recent campaigns.

Raphael Varane (CB) -  The World Cup winner is another Real player who has suffered a dip in form this campaign. Despite this, he has still been a regular in the side, starting 28 league games. Varane has formed a strong partnership with Sergio Ramos at the heart of Real's defence and is renowned for his tackling, reading of the game, and ball-playing ability.

Nacho (CB) - Nacho is expected to start in this game in the absence of the injured Ramos. Versatile and industrious, he has often played as a right back this season.

Marcelo (LB) - After starting at least 20 league games in each of the last five seasons, Marcelo has only started 17 this season. The 30-year-old has struggled and was eventually dropped by previous manager Santiago Solari. He is another player who has benefitted from the appointment of Zinedine Zidane, regaining his place, starting five of seven league games since the 46-year-old took over.

Midfielders

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Casemiro (CM) - The 27-year-old Brazi international has appeared in 27 La Liga games this season. He has shone in recent years with his reading of the game, ability to make interceptions and tackling.

Luka Modric (CM) - The Ballon d'Or holder has matched his record goal tally in a season for Real in this campaign, with four goals in all competitions. He is widely considered to be among the best midfielders in the world, with his strongest attributes being his excellent passing, vision, dribbling and reading of the game. He has failed to replicate his form of recent seasons in the current campaign but remains a key player for Los Blancos.

Toni Kroos (CM) - Kroos has started 23 league games this season, providing four assists. He has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world in recent years, impressing with his range of passing, vision, set-piece delivery and ability to strike the ball accurately from distance.

Forwards

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Lucas Vázquez (RW) - The Spain international has been part of a Real Madrid forward line that has been rotated for the majority of the campaign and this is shown through his involvement this season - starting 14 league games and making 13 appearances off the bench. He has provided five goals and four assists in all competitions.

Gareth Bale (ST) - Real confirmed on Saturday that Karim Benzema had suffered a muscle injury following the 0-0 draw at Getafe, so Gareth Bale may be pushed into a central role to replace the in form Frenchman.

Marco Asensio (LW) - Asensio has made 27 appearances in La Liga this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He has not had the impact he would have wanted to make this season but is still one of the most talented young players in world football. His pace, dribbling and capacity to play on both flanks make him a great asset to Los Merengues.