Real Madrid make the trip to Pamplona on Saturday to face off against Osasuna at the El Sadar Stadium on Matchday 18 of La Liga Santander. The reigning Primer Division Champions are placed 2nd in the points table behind Atletico de Madrid and will be looking to return to the Spanish capital with all three points in the bag from their match against Osasuna.
The Whites are expected to have a relatively easy fixture with the hosts struggling across all areas of the pitch and are evidently placed 19th in the La Liga points table. It is expected that Zidane would rest a couple of players ahead of Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final fixture against Athletic Bilbao in midweek.
The French gaffer will have the entire team at his disposal except for the injured Rodrygo. Zidane will also have to be cautious with Toni Kroos who has already picked up four yellow cards this season. Here’s how Real could take to the field on Saturday evening –
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will take command in goal for Zinedine Zidane’s side. The Belgian would be wanting to add to his clean-sheet collection when the Whites take to the field against the relegation-threatened opposition on Saturday evening. Dani Carvajal will not be available for selection due to his suspension and Lucas Vasquez or Nacho could be seen slotting into the right-back position in his absence.
Sergio Ramos could be given a much-needed rest keeping in mind that Real play a much stronger opposition in Athletic Bilbao in midweek for the Supercopa de Espana semi-final. An off day to Ramos means that Raphael Varane will be partnered by Eder Militao in the heart of Madrid’s defence. Ferland Mendy is expected to retain his place in the starting eleven ahead of Marcelo.
Midfield
Federico Valverde is expected to make his return to the starting eleven and will replace Luka Modric in the team. The Uruguayan had become pivotal to the side prior to his injury in November and will want to make the most of the opportunity against a weak looking Osasuna side. Casemiro will start in midfield for Los Blancos without a doubt. The Brazilian is crucial to the side and it is nearly impossible to imagine a Real Madrid side of recent years without Casemiro. The last place in midfield will be occupied by Toni Kroos who has been in some stunning form lately. The German will be shouldered with more responsibilities than usual with his partner in crime, Modric, missing from the side.
Attack
Marco Asensio will start on the right-hand side with Rodrygo out injured. The Spaniard has started a couple of games on the bounce and seems to be getting into his stride slowly and steadily. Karim Benzema will be playing at his favourite number nine position. It is very likely that second fiddle strikers like Luka Jovic and Mariano could be given a run in the second half. Zidane would consider resting his most reliable striker before two vital fixtures in the Spanish Supercup if Real are able to get the better of Athletic Club on Wednesday evening. Eden Hazard will be eyeing a meaty come-back to the starting eleven after missing from action for almost a month. It will be interesting to see if Zidane tweaks his formation slightly to accommodate a more attacking Eden Hazard, who needs to impress the onlookers pretty soon.
Predicted Line-Up
