Real Madrid plays host to bottom-placed Huesca in a late Sunday evening kick-off in the Spanish Capital. The side from the Aragon region have performed miserably in their first-ever stint in the Spanish top flight, the Primera Division.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are placed third in the points table and does not even have a chance to win the league title after being 12 points adrift of the first placed team, Barcelona.
Zinedine Zidane took command of the side very recently following the sacking of Santiago Solari. Zidane’s return was celebrated with a 2-0 victory against Celta Viga at the Santiago Bernabeu about two weeks ago. Real Madrid does not have much to play for this season as they are virtually out of the La Liga Santander title race, along with their unexpected exits from the Kings Cup and UEFA Champions League.
For this Matchday 29 fixture, Zidane would have nearly the entire squad to choose from except the duo of Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal. The two picked up injuries in Real Madrid’s defeat against Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League.
The trio of Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Gareth Bale would have to be extra cautious as they face the risk of missing Real Madrid’s next league fixture against Valencia with four yellow cards each to their name. Here’s how we at T4O feel Real Madrid could line-up against Huesca.
Defence
Keylor Navas is expected to be the man guarding the sticks, following his start against Celta where he held onto a clean sheet. Alvaro Odriozola is likely to deputise for the injured Dani Carvajal.
Varane would start on the left centre back position and would be partnered by Sergio Ramos. Vice-captain, Marcelo is also expected to begin in the left-back position ahead of Sergi Reguilon. The return of Zidane could be turning points for once surplus to requirements Keylor Navas and Marcelo.
Midfield
Real’s most potent area of operation, the midfield, was sub-par this season and its high time they get themselves back in the groove with Zidane back at the helm. The trio of Kroos, Casemiro and Modric would be most likely be taking charge of proceedings in the centre of the field. Ceballos could get a call-up in place of Kroos. Isco Alarcon who was amongst the goal scorers last time around at the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to be positioned just ahead of the midfield trio.
Attack
Gareth Bale would be starting upfront and should be partnered by Karim Benzema. The two will have to be clinical up-front if Real Madrid are hoping an easy night at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Line-Up
Keylor Navas
Odriozola – Varane – Ramos – Marcelo
Modric – Casemiro – Kroos
Isco
Bale – Benzema
