After a comfortable 4-0 win against Real Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid host neighbours Atletico Madrid on Saturday in the league. Zinedine Zidane’s men lead La Liga by three points over Barcelona, while Atletico are fifth, 10 points behind Madrid.
The two sides have clashed twice this season, once in the league – where the game ended 0-0, and earlier this month in the Supercopa de España which also ended in a goalless draw, with Real Madrid winning on penalties.
Let’s take a look at the possible Real Madrid lineup for the game against Atletico Madrid.
Team News
Eden Hazard seems to have been ruled out of the derby, with Madrid not wanting to risk him ahead of the crucial doubleheader against Manchester City. The Belgian has been out since December due to a hairline fracture injury.
Marco Asensio will also not feature in the game against Atletico, but Gareth Bale could possibly return to the squad having missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.
PREDICTED REAL MADRID LINEUP vs ATLETICO MADRID (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois should replace Alphonse Areola in goal, who played in the 4-0 win against Zaragoza.
Defence
Captain Sergio Ramos was substituted in the second half, possibly due to a knock. He should be fit and start once again at the back alongside Raphaël Varane in the Real Madrid lineup. Nacho is an option at the back if Ramos is not fit enough for the game.
Marcelo and Dani Carvajal started at left-back and right-back, respectively, but the former could be replaced in the side. Ferland Mendy, who has been in good form lately, could replace the experienced Brazilian at left-back. Carvajal should retain his position.
Midfield
Casemiro was rested for the mid-week game, but he will return to the Real Madrid lineup against Atletico. The Brazilian will play at the base of midfield, while Toni Kroos could start ahead of him in the central midfield area.
Zidane has several options for the third midfield role with the likes of Isco, Luka Modric, and Federico Valverde all vying for that one spot. Valverde could get the nod to add some energy and work-rate.
Attack
Karim Benzema will lead the line, with Rodrygo starting out wide on the right.
Isco and Vinicius are options in the absence of Hazard.
