90min

The Real Madrid Lineup That Should Start Against Alaves

By Adam McGroarty

Madrid won 2-0 away at Inter in mid-week
Madrid won 2-0 away at Inter in mid-week / Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
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Real Madrid welcome Deportivo Alaves to the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Saturday as Los Blancos look to get back to winning ways in La Liga.

Zinedine Zidane's side currently sit fourth in the table after winning five of their opening nine games. In their most recent outings in La Liga, Villarreal held them to a 1-1 draw after being hammered 4-1 away at Valencia.

Here's the lineup Zidane should play against Alaves this weekend.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Courtois has been a mainstay for Madrid this season
Courtois has been a mainstay for Madrid this season / Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - Look no further than the Belgian to start in between the sticks against Alaves. Courtois has started in every game for Madrid so far this season, keeping four clean sheets in all competitions.

Dani Carvajal (RB) - The Spaniard started at right-back in the mid-week game against Inter, and with Alvaro Odriozola sidelined with a calf problem, he should keep his place in the backline. Carvajal has made two assists in La Liga this season.

Nacho Fernandez (CB) - Since Sergio Ramos' injury, Nacho has been the player to slot in and replace the Madrid captain. The centre-back even grabbed assist in the win at Inter.

Raphael Varane (CB) - Whether Ramos has been in or out of the Madrid team through injury, Varane has been the other centre-back Zidane has opted to start. The boss even called him 'untransferable' earlier this week.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - The left-back has got the nod to start this season when he's been available. After missing four games through injury, Mendy has still made six La Liga appearances this season and appears to be ahead of Marcelo in the pecking order.

2. Midfielders

Kroos is likely to slot into a midfield trio and keep his place after a 2-0 win against Inter
Kroos is likely to slot into a midfield trio and keep his place after a 2-0 win against Inter / DeFodi Images/Getty Images

Casemiro (DM) - The Brazilian has also been a regular for Madrid so far this season, and is expected to return to the lineup against Alaves after coming on from the bench in the game against Inter. Casemiro will likely occupy the defensive role in a midfield trio.

Toni Kroos (CM) - After starting alongside Luka Modric in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Inter, Kroos is likely to keep his place but could be joined by some fresh faces.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - Despite starting in a more advanced position in the Champions League, the Norwegian midfielder could be the creative spark in a midfield trio alongside Casemiro and Kroos.

3. Forwards

Mariano Diaz could start ahead of Benzema, who is recovering from injury
Mariano Diaz could start ahead of Benzema, who is recovering from injury / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Rodrygo (RW) - While Marco Asensio is fit and available for the visit of Alaves on Saturday night, Zidane could give a start to Rodrygo. The winger was introduced off the bench instead of Asensio in mid-week and could be used by Zidane to help combat the busy fixture schedule.

Mariano Diaz (ST) - The striker could get the nod ahead of Karim Benzema, who is still working his way back from injury.

Eden Hazard (LW) - After a disrupted first season in Madrid which was hampered by injuries and fitness issues, Hazard has started in Madrid's two most recent games after recovering from coronavirus.