TEAM NEWS: Casillas keeps place in goal for Real Madrid's visit to Valencia

Jan 20, 2013 8:15:00 PM

The Blancos captain starts between the sticks as Jose Mourinho's men look to shorten the gap between themselves and Barcelona at the top of the table

Jose Mourinho has named Iker Casillas in Real Mad’s starting XI for the Spanish Primera Division champions’ trip to Valencia on Sunday.

The captain of the capital side had been dropped for the recent matches against Real Sociedad and Malaga, with speculation mounting over a rift with his Portuguese coach. However, the 31-year-old starts in goal against Los Che.

A makeshift back four will feature for Madrid, with Raphael Varane, Raul Albiol and Fabio Coentrao all starting.

Gonzalo Higuain has been preferred to Karim Benzema in attack. The Argentine will be supported up top by Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, and Mesut Ozil.

look to have reverted to a 4-3-3 formation for the visit of Los Blancos. Ever Banega, Alberto Costa, and Fernando Gago start in a sturdy central midfield trio.

Pablo Piatti and Jonas will support Roberto Soldado in attack.

Valencia (4-3-3): Alves; Ricardo Costa, Rami, Ruiz, Guardado; Tino Costa, Banega, Gago; Piatti, Soldado, Jonas

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Varane, Albiol, Coentrao; Khedira, Alonso; Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo; Higuain