Real Madrid will play their first home game of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday when they host Celta Vigo.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are top of the La Liga table with two wins and a draw. They edged past Real Betis in their last game, thanks to a lone goal from full-back Dani Carvajal.
Los Blancos have won their last two meetings with Celta Vigo in the league, winning 3-1 and 2-0, respectively. They will be expected to win once again and hold on to their top spot on the league table.
Team News
Real Madrid could have the services of two of their key midfielders – Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, for Sunday’s game. Both of them have returned to training. The German is yet to play for the Spanish side this season, while the experienced Croatian played only the first game against Deportivo Alaves before suffering an injury.
Centre-back Nacho has also returned to training after missing the last game and he too should be available for Ancelotti. Left-back Ferland Mendy and midfielder Dani Ceballos will not be available as they have yet to recover from their injuries. Captain Marcelo, though, could be available for Sunday’s game.
Let’s take a look at the possible Real Madrid lineup for the game against Celta Vigo.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Celta Vigo
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois should start between the sticks, with Andriy Lunin returning to the bench.
Defence
Nacho, who has returned to training, could once again start alongside Eder Militao at the back. The addition of Nacho to the Real Madrid lineup could move David Alaba to left-back which means that youngster Miguel Gutierrez – who had a superb game against Betis – will drop to the bench. Dani Carvajal should keep his right-back slot for Sunday’s game.
Jesus Vallejo and Marcelo will be options off the bench.
Midfield
Casemiro will start in the base of midfield, and one of Kroos or Modric should get a start ahead of him. Modric may get the nod as he has played one game this season, while Kroos could be an option off the bench.
Federico Valverde should be the third midfielder in Real Madrid lineup. Isco is another option in midfield.
Attack
Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will surely start, on the right and upfront, respectively. Eden Hazard and Vinicius will fight for the left side role, with the latter possibly getting the nod after a few good performances in recent games.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Celta Vigo