Real Madrid will be aiming to make it four victories on the bounce in all competitions when they welcome Osasuna to Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga on Saturday afternoon.
Los Blancos are currently top of the La Liga table, boasting 21 points from their opening eight matches. Their response to the 3-1 loss in the Madrid derby on September 24 has been excellent, winning their last three matches in all competitions, including league successes over Las Palmas and Girona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side recorded a 3-2 victory over Napoli in Italy on matchday two of the Champions League in midweek. With the wind in their sails, Real will go into the game against Osasuna as overwhelming favourites.
Real Madrid Team News
Carlo Ancelotti will not be able to count on Nacho for the next three domestic games after his flying red card challenge on Portu against Girona, thus leaving Antonio Rudiger as the only fit centre-back in the squad at the moment. However, Real received a big injury boost on Thursday with David Alaba in contention to return to the squad in the upcoming game against Osasuna.
Alaba is understood to be rushing to play against Osasuna, shortly after returning to training. The Austrian defender is expected to undergo more tests tomorrow, which will determine his fitness.
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga was at fault for Napoli’s first goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. Yet, Ancelotti is expected to stick with the Spaniard in goal on Saturday.
Defence
The potential return of David Alaba from injury will be a big boost for Real. He could add some much-needed solidity and experience to their backline. If the Austrian is deemed fully fit to start, he will pair up with Antonio Rudiger in central defence in the Real Madrid lineup.
Ferland Mendy came off the bench against Napoli and could now possibly be in line for his first start of the season at left-back, while Dani Carvajal remains an obvious pick at right-back in the Real Madrid lineup.
Midfield
Mendy’s selection at left-back should allow Eduardo Camavinga to move into his natural position in central midfield, with Toni Kroos potentially dropping to the bench. Camavinga will join Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde in the Real engine room, and the trio will be responsible for dictating the pace of the game and recycling possession.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos—two midfield maestros—may get opportunities to showcase their proven class in the second half.
Attack
Jude Bellingham has made a remarkable start to his Bernabeu career, bagging eight goals and registering three assists in nine appearances, including a goal and an assist against Napoli. The England international has been Real’s best player so far this season and should start in the No.10 role against Osasuna.
With Bellingham behind, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes will wait for his through balls and incisive passes to run onto and create havoc against the Osasuna backline. With their pace, creativity and finishing skills, the Brazilian duo could cause endless problems for Osasuna’s defence.
Joselu is likely to again start on the bench, despite the fact that he has four league goals to his name this season.
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