Predicted Teams Athletic Club-Real Madrid: Aurelien Tchouameni back in, goalkeeping debate in Bilbao

Real Madrid will hope to close the gap on Barcelona to just one point on Wednesday evening at 9pm CEST, but face a tough trip to San Mames to take all three points. Athletic Club are unbeaten in nine games and will face the newfound defensive solidity of Los Blancos, who have not conceded a goal in three La Liga matches.

The big news for Real Madrid is that Aurelien Tchouameni is back from injury, and Diario AS say he will immediately return to midfield alongside Fede Valverde, Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham. Raul Asencio will continue to defend, and Fran Garcia will also get the nod to Ferland Mendy in their eyes.

Marca are more confident Rodrygo Goes will start over Brahim Diaz as they see Mendy returning for the big match. Los Blancos are still without Eduardo Camavinga, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior.

Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde refused to confirm whether Unai Simon or Julen Agirrezabala would be in goal, but the latter is expected to start. And Herrera dropped out with a muscle injury, but otherwise Los Leones are strong.

They say there will be a surprise in the line-up as Inaki Williams has been dropped for Alex Berenguer, but it does look like Gorka Guruzeta will start ahead of the in-form Oihan Sancet.