Real Madrid will be high on confidence after the 3-1 battering of Borussia Dortmund and will now look to improve on their league form. The defending champions will host Catalan opposition Espanyol on Sunday, looking to gain some lost ground. Zinedine Zidane’s men have failed to register a single victory at the Bernabeu this season and breaking that duck will be most crucial as Barcelona threaten to pull clear of Los Blancos.
Here’s the predicted Real Madrid lineup to feature against the Catalan club.
Goalkeeper: Keylor Navas hasn’t been quite impressive this season with Los Merengues are already looking for alternatives in the market. Therefore, a strong performance is a necessity for the Costa Rican International.
Right Back: Danny Carvajal will retain his place in the starting lineup. The Spanish International was simply phenomenal against Borussia Dortmund and played a much offensive role than he initially hoped for. He’ll no doubt be a crucial part of Real’s defensive setup against Espanyol.
Center Back(R): Sergio Ramos’ performances are driving Real Madrid forward week in week out. That won’t change this weekend either.
Center Back(L): Raphael Varane will partner alongside captain Sergio Ramos in a sturdy Real Madrid backline. The Frenchman has always played a key part in their buildup game from the back.
Left Back: With Marcelo and Theo Hernandez still out, Nacho Fernandez will continue playing as a left back for the team. His defensive versatility will no doubt aids his club in these situations.
Central Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro will sit in front of the backline as the main defensive cover. The Brazilian has improved a lot in his ball-playing abilities in the past 12 months or so.
Central Midfielder(R): Luka Modric is set to start on the right side of midfield. The former Tottenham midfielder will be a key component for the hosts in the middle of the park.
Central Midfielder(L): Toni Kroos’ return was a boost for Zinedine Zidane’s men in the midweek fixture. But there’s a chance that the German International might get rested in for new signing Dani Ceballos, who scored a brace against Alaves last week.
Right Wing: Marco Asensio will replace Isco in the right wing spot. Though the Spanish talent is likely to imitate his compatriot by shifting into more of a central attacking midfielder as the game progresses.
Center Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Laliga action has been a blessing for Los Blancos. The Portuguese superstar will look to get up and running with his scoring tally in the Spanish top flight against Espanyol.
Left Wing: Gareth Bale is also expected to retain his place in the side. The Welshman scored the opener with a stunning volley against Borussia Dortmund in midweek. Real Madrid fans will be hoping for more of the same this weekend.
This is how they might line up:
