MADRID, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid play a fascinating match in Athletic's San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night, with Athletic looking to consolidate fourth place in the classification while Real Madrid could move top depending on FC Barcelona's result in Mallorca on Tuesday.
If Barcelona fails to end a run of four games without a win in Mallorca Son Moix Stadium, then a win in Bilbao would take Real Madrid to the top of the table.
Aurelien Tchouameni returns for Real Madrid after injury after Rodrygo did the same for the weekend win at home to Getafe, but Vinicius Jr remains sidelined, along with long-term absentees Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba.
Kylian Mbappe ended his goal drought at the weekend but will still be under the spotlight after also missing chances against Getafe.
Athletic entertains Madrid after a 2-1 win away to Rayo Vallecano, with both goals scored by midfielder Oihan Sancet, whose last three goals have earned his side six points after returning from an ankle injury.
Spain international Unai Simon returned to action in last week's 3-0 Europa League tie at home to Elfsborg, but Valverde kept faith with Julen Agirrezabala at the weekend, and his match-fitness could be a key factor in deciding who gets the nod.
Athletic will look to keep a high tempo in front of a packed ground and pressure Madrid high up the pitch, while trying to cut out the service to Mbappe and Rodrygo.
Wednesday also sees several top-flight sides in Copa del Rey action away to rivals from the third and fourth tier of the Spanish game.
Rayo Vallecano has one of the toughest games, away to third-tier Unionistas de Salamanca, while an out-of-form Betis travels to play Catalan side Sant Andreu.
Girona visits Logrones, and Villarreal travels to the north-west of Spain to take on Pontevedra, with Leganes away to Estepona and Valencia away to SD Ejea after making hard work of sixth category Escuela Parla in the first round. ■
