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The international break has come to an end and Real Madrid are back with something to prove.
The pause came at the worst possible time for José Mourinho and his squad, who have had three full weeks to dwell on their Madrid derby loss.
The honeymoon phase is well and truly finished for Mourinho, who now faces the challenge of closing a six-point deficit to La Liga leaders Barcelona while dealing with several internal issues at the club.
Hosting last season's third-place finishers Villarreal at the Bernabéu presents an opportunity to maintain their perfect home record and silence some of the growing criticism ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures.
Here's a look at how Real Madrid could set up for this La Liga fixture.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs.Elche
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian shot-stopper has managed just one clean sheet this season, against newly promoted Málaga at home, with defensive fragility remaining a concern for Mourinho's side.
RB: Denzel Dumfries—Dumfries has edged out Trent Alexander-Arnold in the most important moments this season, though the Englishman made a strong case for himself with standout performances during the international break.
CB: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Ibrahima Konaté's knee injury during the break has handed Mourinho an unwanted problem, with Raúl Ascenio and Éder Militão still sidelined and Dean Huijsen serving a suspension. Konaté has been training this week and may feature, but could be held back ahead of the midweek Champions League tie, leaving Tchouaméni to fill in at center back.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—As the only central defender in Real Madrid's squad without any fitness concerns heading into this weekend, Rüdiger is virtually guaranteed a starting spot.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Cucurella was recently labeled "sensational" by Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente. Madrid supporters are still waiting to see the World Cup winner hit his stride since his summer arrival from Chelsea.
Pick Your Real Madrid XI!
CM: Bernardo Silva—The experienced Portuguese midfielder saw limited action for his national team during the break and could be handed a start, particularly if Tchouaméni is required in defense and Federico Valverde is not yet fit enough to return from the injury he picked up in the Madrid derby.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga—Quietly effective under new France boss Zinédine Zidane, a shortage of available midfielders could see Camavinga earn his third start of the season.
RW: Arda Güler—Arguably Real Madrid's standout performer this season, the Turkish international is expected to continue in his role on the right flank.
AM: Jude Bellingham—Bellingham carried his excellent club form into the international window, registering five goal contributions across four matches. The attacking midfielder is flourishing in his central role for both club and country.
LW: Vinícius Júnior—With questions surrounding his current form and Yan Diomande pushing for his place, Vinícius is under increasing pressure to deliver.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Having hyperextended his knee during the victory over Türkiye, Mbappé's latest brush with controversy has come from something as simple as riding a bicycle.