Real Madrid suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, and now have a tough test in La Liga as they face league leaders Sevilla. Former Madrid player Angel di Maria scored a first-half brace, while defender Thomas Meunier piled on the misery with a late goal.
Madrid face Sevilla on Sunday, who are managed by former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, who has taken Sevilla to the top of the table with three wins and a draw in four games so far in the season.
PREDICTED REAL MADRID LINEUP vs SEVILLA (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois had a difficult game against Paris Saint-Germain and was at fault for at least one of the three goals that Madrid conceded. Despite his shaky start to the season, the Belgian goalkeeper will start between the sticks for Madrid.
Defence
Sergio Ramos and Nacho missed the game against Dortmund due to suspension, while Marcelo missed it due to injury, which meant that Madrid had a new-look backline. The defence was taken to the cleaners by Dortmund which will force manager Zinedine Zidane to ring in the changes.
Captain Sergio Ramos will return to the side, while Marcelo could possibly return too. Varane will start alongside Ramos in the Real Madrid lineup, while Dani Carvajal could retain his place despite a poor performance against Dortmund.
Midfield
Luka Modric is unlikely to be risked for the game against Sevilla. The midfield of Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and James Rodriguez were torn to shreds by PSG, with Rodriguez coming out of the game the worse.
Isco and Federico Valverde are also doubts for the Sunday night game, which means that Zidane will be forced to play the same midfield trio in the Real Madrid lineup that he did against PSG.
Attack
Summer signing Eden Hazard did not have the best of nights against Dortmund and he could be replaced by 19-year-old Vinícius Júnior on the left as Zidane looks to ease the former Chelsea man into the fold.
Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema looked the liveliest players against Dortmund and they will retain their places on the right and up front in the Real Madrid lineup.
