Real Madrid host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening, hoping to register their fourth consecutive victory in La Liga.
Los Blancos followed up their excellent El Clasico win with a comprehensive 3-0 away victory at Elche in midweek, thus, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of the table. They have won nine and drawn one of their 10 league matches this season to collect 28 points, and again look the team to beat in the Spanish top-flight.
With three wins on the bounce, Carlo Ancelotti’s side head into the fixture against Sevilla as clear favourites.
Real Madrid Team News
Thibaut Courtois is back in the squad after missing the last few games with a back issue. Karim Benzema, too, has been included in the squad, despite the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner leaving Friday’s training session with some muscle discomfort.
Dani Ceballos and Mariano Diaz remain out with hamstring problem and knock, respectively.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Sevilla (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois is back to full fitness and should start in goal on Saturday, replacing Andriy Lunin, who deputised well in the big Belgian’s absence. Courtois will be hoping to mark his return from injury with a clean sheet.
Defence
David Alaba will probably get the nod to pair up with Eder Militao at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence as they try to keep things neat and tidy at the back throughout the 90 minutes.
Ferland Mendy should be fresh to start at left-back in the Real Madrid lineup having been an unused substitute in Real’s 3-0 win over Elche in midweek.
Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is expected to retain his spot at right-back in the Real Madrid lineup.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni will anchor the midfield for Real, hoping to get control of the game as early as possible against Sevilla. The Frenchman will be joined by Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in the engine room—two pillars of strength for Los Blancos.
The trio of Tchouameni, Modric and Kroos will look to dominate Jorge Sampaoli’s side in the centre of the pitch. Eduardo Camavinga will be a strong option to bring off the bench if Ancelotti decides to add more steel to his midfield.
Attack
Even though Karim Benzema has been named in the squad, Ancelotti may not risk the French striker from the start.
This could open the door for Rodrygo Goes to operate as a false 9 in the Real Madrid lineup, flanked by Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde in a pacey and creative front three.
The South American trio must figure out a way to cause problems for the Sevilla defenders at the weekend. Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Benzema could get involved in the second half of the game if required.
