Real Madrid has hit the jackpot by splashing the cash for Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions international has scored six and laid on one more in six outings across competitions and his mastery in the middle of the park has helped the Spanish giants script an incredible all-win record so far this term. But they must prepare for a fierce fight on Sunday evening against Atletico Madrid at Estadio Metropolitano.
Diego Simeone’s men are also gearing up for the season’s first Madrid derby following last weekend’s dreadful 3-0 defeat against Valencia. They were denied a victory by the Lazio custodian Ivan Provedel who scored a late winner on Tuesday night in their Champions League encounter, and the Rojiblancos, therefore, must be determined to make a statement while hosting their city rivals.
Predicted 4-4-2 Real Madrid Lineup To Face Atletico Madrid
Amid the long-term injury absence of Thibaut Courtois, Los Blancos roped in Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The Spaniard has made a decent start upon returning to his homeland and is expected to retain his ‘number 1’ status ahead of Andriy Lunin and Lucas Canizares.
Versatile Lucas Vazquez is likely to keep his right fullback spot as he featured in place of injured Dani Carvajal against Union Berlin. Fran Garcia has been impressive down the left and the former Rayo Vallecano fullback should reclaim his starting role after assisting twice against Real Sociedad in their previous La Liga game. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are tipped to form the central defensive pairing given the injury absence of Eder Militao.
Midfield
Carlo Ancelotti has mostly deployed a diamond formation in the centre of the pitch. Aurelien Tchouameni is operating from the base as a single pivot, but the gaffer has rotated Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde for the two number eights on the outside of the ‘midfield four’. Valverde and Kroos might get the nod as they left an impression as ‘super subs’ against the German side.
Brahim Diaz is back in the camp following a productive three-year loan stint with AC Milan. But the young Spaniard stands no chance before Bellingham who is proving his ‘generational’ status week in, week out.
Attack
The summer exit of Karim Benzema and the injury absence of Vinicius Junior have left a void high up the pitch. However, Joselu has exhibited his poaching traits while spearheading the attack and the 33-year-old Spain international is likely to partner with Rodrygo upfront until Vini Jr recovers from his thigh strain in a few weeks’ time.
