The Real Madrid Lineup That Should Start Against Cadiz
By Charlie Stewart
Real Madrid host newly-promoted Cadiz on Saturday, hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Los Blancos have picked up where they left off last season, winning three of their opening four games while keeping three clean sheets. However, despite their impressive results, they haven't been wholly convincing. Zinedine Zidane's men have found the net just six times so far, with last season's top marksman Karim Benzema limited to just an injury time strike against Levante.
Their opponents have made a positive start to the season, currently sitting in ninth place. Cadiz recently claimed all three points away to Athletic Bilbao, despite playing the final 20 minutes with nine men. They followed this result up with a 1-1 draw against Granada. The home side cannot afford to underestimate their opponent this weekend.
This is the side that Zidane could name on Saturday.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - The big Belgian was recalled from international duty this past week due to injury concerns, but is expected to be okay for the coming fixture.
Nacho Fernandez (RB) - With Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola both sidelined, Nacho Fernandez will probably have to fill in as a makeshift full-back.
Sergio Ramos (CB) - Real Madrid's long-serving captain is just two goals off his 100th for the club. Quite an astonishing record for a centre-back.
Raphael Varane (CB) - The World Cup winner has partnered Ramos in all four of Los Blancos' fixtures this season, and there is no reason why that won't continue on Saturday.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Since arriving for big money from Lyon, the Frenchman has managed to oust Brazilian full-back Marcelo from the starting XI.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (CM) - The 28-year-old featured 35 times in last season's title-winning campaign, showcasing his abilities as one of the world's best holding midfielders.
Luka Modric (CM) - The Ballon d'Or winner needs to feature just three more times to reach 350 appearances for Real Madrid. His time at the Spanish giants has yielded incredible success, winning two La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
Toni Kroos (CM) - A minor injury kept the German out of action for Real Madrid's last two fixtures, but he made his return during the international break, so should come back into the starting lineup.
3. Forwards
Rodrygo (RW) - The teenager came off the bench to assist Karim Benzema's late goal against Levante last time out. This may have earned him a start at the weekend.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Benzema's goal two weeks ago was his 250th in Real Madrid colours. The 32-year-old will be hoping to add to his 25 career trophies this campaign.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - In Eden Hazard's absence, Vinicius Junior is the most natural option on the left for Los Blancos. The Brazilian opened the scoring in the last game.