Real Madrid, after a disappointing draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, return to league action on Saturday when they face Alaves at the Estadio Mendizorroza.
Madrid had a 2-0 lead against the French champions till the 81st minute before Kylian Mbappe and Pablo Sarabia scored in quick time to level the scores for the side to share the spoils.
Over in La Liga, Madrid are level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, and they could have a chance to open up a gap at the top as Barca don’t face Atletico Madrid until Sunday night.
Real Madrid Team News
Players on the long-term injury list – Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez, and James Rodriguez will miss Saturday’s game.
Eden Hazard is another doubt, having been brought off in the game against PSG. Madrid confirmed that it was just a bruised ankle and he should return soon. But, he may miss out on the game against Alaves:
Ahead of the game against Alaves, let’s take a look at the possible lineup that Zinedine Zidane may put out for Saturday:
Predicted Real Madrid Team vs Alaves
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois was sent off against PSG, before VAR overturned that decision. He should keep his place in the Real Madrid team come Saturday.
Defence
Sergio Ramos did not have a great game against PSG, while defensive partner Raphaël Varane was at fault for the Mbappe goal. But both defenders should start on Saturday.
Marcelo was good mid-week, but Zidane could bring back Ferland Mendy, who has been impressive over the last few games. Dani Carvajal should also retain his place at right-back in the Real Madrid team.
Midfield
Young Federico Valverde has also impressed for Madrid over the last few games, and many may argue that the decision to bring him off against PSG wasn’t a wise one, as Madrid went on to concede two goals when he was not on the pitch.
Valverde should start in midfield, alongside Casemiro, while it’s a toss-up between Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Modric was very good for Madrid in their last league game against Real Sociedad which could earn him the nod.
Attack
Rodrygo was a substitute for Madrid’s game against PSG, but he may return to the Real Madrid lineup on the right, while Gareth Bale is an option too.
Karim Benzema, who scored a brace mid-week, should get a start. Hazard’s injury means that either Rodrygo could move to the left and Bale plays from the right, or Vinicius could start on the left, if he’s fit.
