Back from another International break and the Merengues have a tough return to La Liga.  Apakshit as graced us with a fine preview for the match but here we will look a bit more in depth at the players that are likely to have an impact.  As usual, the impact that these players have on the game might be a result of their absence rather than their presence, but the play of each will likely decide the outcome.

Real Madrid:

Cristiano Ronaldo- The one player that can almost always be found on this list.  He has the ability and the form to be absolutely decisive in this match.  He has recovered from his minor injury that he picked up when his Portugal side demolished Bosnia and Herzegovina, and thus is pretty much guaranteed to start.  Ronaldo is, unfairly or not, labelled as disappearing in big matches, and with Valencia's record in at home in La Liga this season, this is likely to be one of the biggest matches outside of a Clásico or European playoff.  Cristiano will certainly have the opportunity to do his reputation a favor.

Marcelo- After a bit of an extended patch on the sideline, by the Brazilian's own standards, Marcelo is likely to return to the starting line-up having been confirmed as medically good to go.  Fábio Coentrão is an excellent player, but he can't replicate the style that Marcelo has and Arbeloa certainly can't either, so it will be a pleasure to see the Mercurial Brazilian back in our line-up.  Expect him to do a lot of damage on the left flank having had a bit of a rest to recharge his batteries.

José Callejón- With di María out for the near future and Kaká still not quite back to full fitness, another María is ready in waiting, José María Callejón.  The former Castilla product is still searching for the opportunity to establish himself in a rotational role and a strong performance against Valencia could go a long way towards this goal.  Marca has tipped him for the start, but the pundits do not seem quite as convinced by this, so we will have to see.  Even if he does not get the start, he is likely to see some minutes given that he is one of the few wingers we have available.

Valencia:

Roberto Soldado- Those that have been following Madrid for a few years will remember Roberto.   He had a tremendous goal scoring record for Castilla but after a season long loan to Osasuna he was not able to cement himself into the Madrid side and left to Getafe.  He has continued a fine, if not tremendous career,  and has since moved from Getafe to the team he had his La Liga debut against.  For Valencia this season he has scored 8 in 14 appearances in all competitions which is a respectable haul.  Expect him to try and turn it on against his former side; players like him tend to be interested in demonstrating why they deserved a shot in the first place.

Vicente Guaita- This young (for his position) keeper has slowly been building a reputation as a reliable goalkeeper.  As with any match where you meet Real Madrid, Guaita is likely to be tested tonight.  With 31 saves and 5 clean sheets on the season, the 24 year old will be keen to continue his form.  In La Liga, keepers have a habit of putting in their season's best performances against Madrid and if Guaita manages this then Madrid will simply have to try even harder to put the ball in the back of the net.

EDIT: Marca were wrong regarding Callejón, but I still believe he might see the pitch.  Parejo getting the start so it will be interesting to see him there, but Guaita is on the bench.  Diego Alves is starting, which was obviously a surprise... but still expect the Brazilian to be an important figure.