Having stitched a four-match winning run, Real Madrid remain level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table. But they face a tricky trip to Mestalla this weekend in what could turn out to be an important game for the Spanish giants. Albert Celades’ men are currently eighth, picking up four wins from their last five games and will be desperate to make a statement in this tie, in their bid for European qualification.
Zinedine Zidane’s side are fresh from a 3-1 victory in Belgium in the Champions League and the manager is expected to make a few changes ahead of this game. This remains Zidane’s best run in the league since returning to Madrid and here is the predicted Real Madrid lineup he might field, to try and retain their winning form.
Team News
In early team news, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard and James Rodriguez all remain sidelined ahead of this game for Los Blancos. Ferland Mendy is suspended for this game after he saw red against Espanyol last weekend while Marcelo’s calf injury leaves Real Madrid short of options at left-back.
PREDICTED REAL MADRID LINEUP VS VALENCIA (4-3-3)
Defence
Thibaut Courtois came back into the side for last weekend’s clash but was on the bench against Club Brugge. The Belgian did enough in the last game to retain his place under the bar against Valencia.
Eder Militao has been effective this season but Zidane might stick with the experienced duo of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos against the likes of Kevin Gameiro this weekend. Injuries to Marcelo and Mendy should see Nacho deputize at left-back while Danny Carvajal should be back in the starting XI after being rested earlier in the week.
Midfield
Zidane has changed his midfield often this season. Casemiro, who is just a booking away from suspension, might not be risked for this game.
Toni Kroos, who did not make the trip to Belgium should be back in the Real Madrid lineup, alongside Luka Modric, adding creativity and mettle to the side in the middle of the park.
Young Federico Valverde might get a chance in the midfield, after a decent outing against Espanyol last weekend.
Attack
Rodrygo opened the scoring for Zidane’s side in the mid-week and has done enough to keep his place in the side. He should start on the left flank while Gareth Bale, who is finally back in the squad, could get a rare outing on the right flank.
Karim Benzema, who is bang in form at the moment, will not find it easy against the likes of Ezequiel Garay and Gabriel Paulista, both of who have been solid at the back for Valencia this season.
REAL MADRID LINEUP
