Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal - La Liga
- Real Madrid dropped points last time out in La Liga
- Aurelien Tchouameni could make the bench
- Joselu and Rodrygo to start together again
By Euan Burns
Real Madrid are back in La Liga action on Sunday night as they welcome Villarreal to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have been impressing this season but have lacked some of the consistency needed to be on top of the table.
The draw last weekend against Real Betis was exactly the sort of result and performance that they have to avoid. The good news is that a lot of good players will soon be back from injury.
Here is the XI that Ancelotti may choose for Real Madrid vs Villarreal.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-2-2)
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga - His return to fitness was welcome considering Thibaut Courtois' lengthy spell on the sidelines. A home clean sheet would go down very nicely here.
RB: Lucas Vazquez - With Dani Carvajal out, the versatile Lucas Vazquez is ready to fill in once again. Every great team needs a Lucas Vazquez.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - The German defender is making a great case to hold his place when Eder Militao gets back to fitness in 2024.
CB: David Alaba - It would be intriguing to know whether David Alaba prefers playing alongside Rudiger or Militao. Regardless, he is consistently doing a good job.
LB: Ferland Mendy - He keeps getting linked with a move away from the club, but Mendy should take this place back from Fran Garcia who started against Union Berlin.
CM: Fede Valverde - It does not matter which players you put alongside Fede Valverde, he will give you a very solid performance. He will need to get his elbows out against Villarreal's very physical midfield.
CM: Toni Kroos - Either Toni Kroos or Luka Modric could play in this role. With Aurelien Tchouameni expected to be fit enough for the bench, he will be looking to retake his place in the starting eleven soon.
AM: Jude Bellingham - The man cannot stop scoring and with Real Madrid repeatedly missing penalties, he might get to take those as well soon. He spoke recently about following in Zinedine Zidane's footsteps, the fans would enjoy that.
AM: Brahim Diaz - A handful of players could be used here. Dani Ceballos is another contender but Ancelotti may want to give Brahim Diaz some minutes this weekend.
ST: Joselu - His double against Union Berlin showed why Real Madrid signed him. He is a very good penalty box striker who can get on the end of a cross. That could make the difference here.
ST: Rodrygo - He also played very well against Union Berlin, showing the best way to link up with Joselu and create danger.
READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed