Real Madrid face a tough task at the start of their title defence, with very good Valencia side arriving to Santiago Bernabeu.

As they await the arrival of Luka Modric, los Merengues enter the new season with virtually unchanged squad, which can only be a good thing after beating Barcelona to the league title last term.

Jose Mourinho’s side looked really good in pre-season, that is if we disregard the 5-2 defeat to Benfica, having beaten La Galaxy, Milan and Celtic, among others.

The Portuguese coach was happy to see all his players return from international duty unscathed, meaning he will have fully fit squad to choose from.

Real Madrid may be just 1.29 (2/7) with Paddy Power to beat Valencia, but bear in mind they are 1.88 (8/9) at Betfair to defend the league title.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casillas – Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo – Alonso, Khedira – Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo – Benzema.

Having led Valencia to third-place finish in La Liga for the third successive time, coach Unai Emery was allowed to leave Mestalla, with former defender Mauricio Pellegrino appointed in his place.

The squad have also undergone some changes, with Andres Guardado, Joao Pereira, Jonathan Viera, Fernando Gago and Nelson Valdez all arriving this summer, while Jordi Alba, Mehmet Topal, Hedwiges Maduro and Aritz Aduriz all left.

Despite the major changes, the team enjoyed a very good pre-season, which included 1-1 draw with Porto and 2-0 victory over Tottenham, so los Che clearly have reason for optimism before the clash at Santiago Bernabeu.

Coach Mauricio Pellegrino has received some very good news ahead of the trip to Madrid as not only were Jeremy Mathieu and Roberto Soldado passed fit, but Nelson Valdez also received international clearance following his loan move from Rubin Kazan.

Taking also into account that los Che held Real to a goalless draw in the same fixture last season, you should know Valencia are 3.75 (11/4) with 888sport to pick up at least one point at the Bernabeu.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Alves – Pereira, Rami, R. Costa, Mathieu – A. Costa, Gago – Feghouli, Jonas, Guardado – Soldado.