Real Madrid will be out to record a convincing victory in their first Copa del Rey bout of the season when they take on third-tier side Alcoyano on Wednesday evening.

Zinedine Zidane's men saw their Spanish Super Cup defence end at the first hurdle courtesy of a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao - who eventually went on to win the trophy - last week.

The reigning La Liga champions have also faltered in the league recently and remain four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid having played two games more, so a confidence-boosting win here is of paramount importance for Los Blancos.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how Real Madrid could line up against Alcoyano.

Out: Rodrygo (thigh)
Doubtful: Raphael Varane (unspecified), Sergio Ramos (knee)

> Click here for Real Madrid's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

Zidane's first-choice central defenders Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos have both emerged as injury doubts ahead of this contest, but it would have been a surprise to see either man make the first XI if they were fully fit.

Indeed, Zidane should make significant alterations for this showdown, with Ramos and Varane expected to be replaced by out-of-favour duo Eder Militao and Nacho Fernandez.

Andriy Lunin will be aiming to grasp his opportunity in goal with both hands as Thibaut Courtois is expected to be rested, while Alvaro Odriozola and the veteran Marcelo should complete a quintet of changes in defence.

Real would have had six days to recover from their semi-final defeat to Athletic, so midfield lynchpin Casemiro may be one of the few survivors from that game as he features in a new-look engine room alongside Federico Valverde and Isco.

One would have to wonder what missing this game would mean for Isco's future, but with Martin Odegaard - who has supposedly asked to leave the club - not included in the squad, Isco should feature from the off.

Marco Asensio featured on the left-hand side against Athletic but could switch to the right flank here over Eden Hazard - a move which would allow Vinicius Junior to return to the fold with compatriot Rodrygo out injured.

With Karim Benzema due a rest and Luka Jovic returning to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, Mariano Diaz will lead the line and aim to build on the solitary goal he has already registered this season.