A new look Real Madrid side proved to be too good for their opponents, the third division club Melilla in their last match, as they went onto win the contest by 4-0 to reach the next round of the Copa Del Rey. Next up, they have a tough challenge coming up as they face Real Valladolid in the La Liga.
The new manager Santiago Solari went in with some players from the Real Madrid Castilla side for the match against Melilla, but that would not be the case against Valladolid. The Argentine will have to rethink his strategies going into this critical clash that could end the dreadful run of form the Galacticos are currently in at the moment.
Team News
Dani Carvajal, Marcelo, Mariano Diaz and Raphael Varane, all are out with injuries are and will not take part in the next fixture. It will be a daunting task for Solari to replace these first-team players for sure.
Goalkeeper
Keylor Navas should start in the goal after Thibaut Courtois’ lacklustre showing in the last league match against Barcelona. It has been a tough time for the big Belgian since his move from Chelsea, and he might get a much-needed rest against Valladolid.
Defence
With none of Dani Carvajal, Marcelo or Varane available for selection, Solari will have a hard time composing the backline for the next match. With captain omnipresent in the heart of the defence, it will be Nacho Fernandez to pair up with him. While Alvaro Odriozola plays on the right-hand side of the defence, the left side will be flanked by young Sergio Reguilon replacing Marcelo.
Midfield
The three-man midfield will feature Casemiro as the defensive midfielder. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who have been rested for the match against Melilla, are set to make their way back into the starting eleven and would star in the midfield. Isco will play in the attacking midfielder role.
Attack
Karim Benzema would look to carry his goal scoring form from the Copa Del Rey into the La Liga as he needs to fire big time. Gareth Bale has also not been in his best form and would need to step up his game if Real Madrid are to perform well up front.
