Real Madrid, unbeaten in 4 Champions League matches this season, are back in action today at the Santiago Bernabéu against Galatasaray. Los Blancos are heavy favorites, having already defeated the Turkish club 6-1 in Istanbul in the opening Champions League fixture. However, this time they will be without the competition’s top scorer, Ballon d’Or candidate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo injured his left hamstring in the weekend match against Almería and is ruled out of today's clash. His absence opens the door for Ángel Di María, who has not featured much lately with Gareth Bale in fine form, or Jesé Rodríguez, who was spectacular after replacing Ronaldo on Saturday, providing 2 assists in under 40 minutes on the pitch. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he will decide which of the two will play just before the match, presumably opposite Gareth Bale, who may start on the left side if Di María features.

In the midfield, Luka Modrić is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, so Isco looks set start again in the attacking midfield role. Ancelotti liked the performance of Xabi Alonso and Asier Illarramendi together against Almería, so the pair could feature again tomorrow. Casemiro also looked bright in a substitute appearance and could get some time with Alonso unlikely to play the full 90 minutes.

At the back, Marcelo returns to the squad from his injury layoff and will start at left back, while one of Álvaro Arbeloa or Dani Carvajal will line up on the right. There isn’t any debate at forward or goalkeeper, with Karim Benzema in improved form and Iker Casillas set to return between the sticks.

While Madrid will be looking to get the win at home and lock up the group, this is also a very important match for Galatasaray. The Turks have a point advantage over group heavyweights Juventus and will face the Italians in the final group fixture on December 10. They will likely need to win that last match to qualify, but earning 3 points in Madrid would ensure they just need a draw against Juventus to return to the round of 16. With players like Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder, Galatasaray are always a dangerous opponent, and they will be hoping to shock a weakened Real Madrid and return to Turkey with a good result.

Projected Real Madrid starting XI:

Real Madrid squad to face Galatasaray:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Diego López, Jesus Fernández

Defenders: Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal, Álvaro Arbeloa, Nacho Fernández

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Casemiro, Gareth Bale, Isco, Asier Illarramendi, José Rodríguez, Ángel Di María

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Jesé Rodríguez, Álvaro Morata

Injured: Cristiano Ronaldo, Sami Khedira, Fábio Coentrão, Raphaël Varane

Suspended: Luka Modrić