Real Madrid will play hosts to Villareal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night, hoping to pick up a positive result and build on their winning run in La Liga. Los Blancos will be heading into the game on the back of an emphatic 6-1 win versus Mallorca, whereas the visitors recorded a 4-1 victory against Elche last night.
Carlo Ancelotti will probably opt for his usual 4-3-3 formation; however, the Italian tactician is expected to make a couple of changes as Luka Modric and Eden Hazard look likely to make their way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Villarreal
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will continue to operate in between the sticks for the hosts. The Belgian international has kept only one clean sheet in his last three appearances across all competitions and will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday.
Eder Militao will form his customary centre-half partnership with David Alaba at the heart of Real Madrid’s backline.
Given the absence of Ferland Mendy and Marcelo, Miguel Gutierrez is a guaranteed starter at the left-back spot, whereas Nacho Fernandez will fill in on the other flank as the right-back. The full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
Midfield
Casemiro will feature alongside Luka Modric in the holding midfield position, with the latter being assigned with more of a defensive role to shield the home side’s back four, whereas Federico Valverde will start in the central midfield position to complete the midfield trio.
Having played in Real Madrid’s 6-1 win over Mallorca, Eduardo Camavinga and Marco Asensio might have to settle for a place on the bench; however, they could be brought on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Vinicius Junior and Eden Hazard will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Karim Benzema will lead the line for the hosts against Villarreal this weekend. The 33-year-old striker is in the form of his life at the moment, and he’ll be hoping to add to the tally when he faces off the Villarreal defence that has kept just one clean one sheet in their last four matches across all competitions.
