Real Madrid head into their second match of the season after a very positive start saw them get all three points in a 4-1 win against Alaves. Now, they take on a tougher opponent as Carlo Ancelotti is expected to trust the same starting eleven that we saw on Matchday 1.
Goalkeeper:
He will be frustrated that he couldn’t get a clean sheet against Alaves after being forced into giving away a penalty but Thibaut Courtois will be at it again and hoping for more to celebrate this time around after the previous win was followed by the official announcement that his contract has been renewed until 2026.
Defenders:
With Real Madrid still struggling with injuries at the back, it would be a little surprising if we see Ancelotti move things around. Even though Alvaro Odriozola is ready to go, the trust remains with Lucas Vazquez and it probably will stay that way until Dani Carvajal is back to full fitness. In the center, major improvement will be needed from Eder Militao after a poor outing while we will be hoping for a lot more of the same from Nacho Fernandez who continues to be a vital member of the squad. On the left, David Alaba impressed and will look to do so once again in the absence of Marcelo and Ferland Mendy.
Midfielders:
The three midfielders that lined up versus Alaves are the best we have and it showed (other than Toni Kroos who is recovering from injury). There is no reason that we won’t be seeing them start once again with Casemiro seemingly in a new role which sees him a little further up the pitch than we are traditionally used to, as he has a Croatian magician in Luka Modric in front of him. Federico Valverde impressed last week and he has earned the right to be placed back in the starting lineup once again on Sunday night. Isco is always an option but at best, expect him to come on for the last 20 minutes or so. As for Martin Odegaard, it seems like our dream of seeing him with us nears its end with strong rumors linking him to Arsenal on a permanent deal.
Forwards:
A surprising front three was chosen on Matchday 1, but they impressed enough to be named once again this time. Gareth Bale had a very strong outing on his return to the club, and he will get more than enough opportunities to leave the club on good terms at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Eden Hazard was extremely impressive on the opposite flank. They both know that they have a lot to prove and it looks like they’re both coming out fighting. Up front, the main man for Real Madrid will be in the lineup again after two great goals helped them with their first win of the season while Karim Benzema will be chasing that Pichichi award at the end of the campaign.
Full Predicted Starting Lineup
Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazqu:ez, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, David Alaba, Casemiro, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema.