Real Madrid will face off against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames Stadium on Thursday night as they try to pick up a positive result in the quarterfinal stage of the Copa del Rey. Los Blancos were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Elche before the international break, so they will be desperate to get back to winnings ways later this week.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 formation and will be forced to make a few changes to his side for this game.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup To Face Athletic Club Bilbao
Defence
Andriy Lunin will probably feature in goal for Los Blancos after shipping in one goal versus Elche in the last round of the Copa del Rey. Eder Militao will function alongside Nacho at the heart of Ancelotti’s defence as they focus on securing a clean sheet on the road.
Dani Carvajal could get the nod to play at right-back while David Alaba fills in on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them might get the license to express themselves in the Bilbao half so that they can offer decent support to the front players.
Marcelo is suspended for this game while Ferland Mendy will be sidelined due to an adductor problem. Hence, Mario Gila might offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.
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Midfield
Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric could make up Ancelotti’s midfield for this cup clash. Both Kroos and Modric need to be at the top of their game if the Madrid giants are to come out on top in midweek.
Attack
Gareth Bale could get a chance to shine as the left-sided wide player while Eden Hazard hopes to catch the eye on the right flank. Luka Jovic will lead the line for the Madrid outfit up top in the absence of Karim Benzema who is unlikely to be risked in midweek.
Both Marco Asensio and Mariano Diaz are significant concerns for this game as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.
