Real Madrid will be back in La Liga action on Saturday with a trip to Balaidos to face Celta Vigo. Los Merengues were humbled 4-0 by bitter rivals Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu prior to the international break. It was a poor show from the league leaders with the defeat ending their four-game winning run.
There is no doubt that Carlo Ancelotti’s men must put up a strong show against a tricky Celta Vigo side, as they are coming off a humiliating loss to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Real Madrid Team News
Eden Hazard underwent successful surgery to remove an osteosynthesis plate in his right fibula earlier this week and will start his rehab soon.
Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy have been training on their own on the pitch, while Isco and Toni Kroos worked out inside. Kroos is recovering from gastroenteritis and should be available for the weekend fixture, but Isco has discomfort in his back and may not make it to Carlo Ancelotti’s matchday squad.
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— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) March 31, 2022
Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga, who was on duty with the France U-21 team, rejoined training with the first team on Wednesday.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Celta Vigo
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois has been Real Madrid’s one of the most consistent players this season. There is no doubt the Belgian will keep his place in the Real Madrid lineup.
Defence
Real Madrid were defensively all over the place against Barcelona in the last game and Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping to see his players show a lot more heart and courage while defending against Celta Vigo.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Celta Vigo
Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and David Alaba will retain their spots in the defensive line. Nacho Fernandez, who had a night to forget at left-back against Barcelona, will make way for fit-again Ferland Mendy.
Midfield
Casemiro will anchor the midfield for the Los Blancos. The Brazilian has to be at the top of his game to stop potential counter-attacks at Balaidos. Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga will also start in the engine room, providing the dynamism and creativity needed to unlock Celta Vigo’s rearguard.
Luka Modric and Federico Valverde will return today from international duty, so Ancelotti may decide not to risk them from the start on Saturday.
Attack
Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s top scorer this season with 22 league goals, should be fit again to lead the Real Madrid attack again. The Frenchman is peerless and could make a massive difference upon his return to the Real Madrid lineup.
Brazilian duo Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo could start in the wide areas, adding pace and flair to Real’s attack. While Vinicius Jr. is a certainty to start on the left flank, Rodrygo, who is creative, diligent and dynamic, should start ahead of Marco Asensio on the right in the Real Madrid lineup.