An unstable Real Madrid side makes the trip to the Estadio de la Cerámica to square off against Villarreal on Matchday 3 of La Liga 2019-20. Los Blancos have dropped two points in the first two matches of the season itself and will be desperate to return to winning ways.
Villarreal, on the other hand, are yet to win this season in the league with one loss and one draw in their opening Primera Division fixtures. It will be an exciting clash with both the teams gunning for the three points.
Zidane’s injury woes have only gone from bad to worse with the addition of Isco Alarcon to the list. The Spaniard has picked up an injury in a place which is very unusual to any footballer, i.e., his biceps. However, Eden Hazard was pictured training earlier today and might make the squad. It is highly unlikely that Zizou would risk the Belgian for this fixture by starting him.
Luka Modric is set to make his way back into the starting eleven for this fixture after serving his suspension for a red card he picked up against Celta Vigo. This would be a huge relief for Zidane.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Villarreal
Defence
Thibaut Courtois would be the man guarding the sticks for Los Blancos. The Belgian has failed to hold onto a clean sheet and will be aiming for one this time around. Dani Carvajal will start at the right-back position.
World-Cup winner, Raphael Varane would start in the heart of Madrid’s defence alongside Sergio Ramos who was phenomenal in Real Madrid’s draw against Valladolid. Marcelo is most likely to start at the left-back spot. Summer signing, Ferland Mendy could be given a few minutes in the second half of the game.
Midfield
Real Madrid’s most featured trident in the last few years, Toni Kroos – Casemiro – Luka Modric, would be taking charge of things in the middle of the pitch. The return of Luka Modric would definitely help things for Zidane. The trident will need to be at their very best if Real Madrid wishes to come home with any points from the Yellow Submarines’ den.
Attack
Gareth Bale will start on the right-hand side with his very old partner, Karim Benzema occupying the number nine position. Vinicius Junior is most likely to start in the last place up for grabs. The Brazilian would be determined to prove his capabilities ahead of the return of Eden Hazard from injury.
Predicted Line-Up
Courtois
Carvajal – Varane – Ramos – Marcelo
Modric – Casemiro – Kroos
Bale – Benzema – Vinicius Jr
