Champions League holders Real Madrid have had a rocky stint in the La Liga this season as they currently occupy the fifth spot in the table. They lost their last game to Real Sociedad, and the pressure is definitely mounting on them. Real Betis, on the other hand, sits just four points behind them on the table and they would look to cut that gap to one after they meet the Galacticos at Estadio Benito Villamarín this weekend.
The game is a late kick-off on Sunday, and by the time Madrid start this game, they could be 13 points behind table-toppers Barcelona. With every passing gameweek, it seems likely that the Los Blancos are fighting for the top 4 spots this season.
Real Madrid won their last game against Leganes comfortably in the Copa Del Rey clash, but they need to pick themselves up to regain lost ground in the La Liga.
Team News
Santiago Solari’s side are currently reeling with injuries, and Thibaut Courtois is the latest one to join the list as he is likely to be out with a hip problem. Wales international Gareth Bale is going to miss out once again with a groin strain. Along with that, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and Marcos Llorente are also going to be unavailable. Lucas Vasquez is suspended for this tie.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Real Betis
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Keylor Navas is expected to step up in the absence of Courtois. The Belgian has struggled to settle in, and Navas would hope that a strong performance in his absence might cement his place in the starting eleven. The experienced duo of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane look a formidable centre-back partnership on paper, but they currently have the worst defensive record among the top 7 clubs. The manager would hope that the duo can gain their previous form back.
Marcelo is expected to start from the left side of the defence. Dani Carvajal is going to be in his usual right-back role.
Midfield
Brazil international Casemiro is going to play in the deepest role in midfield, and his job would be to shield the back four. Luka Modric hasn’t been the same after his brilliant performance last season. The Croatian is expected to start in midfield. Toni Kroos is going to complete the midfield three.
Attack
With injuries and suspension, the manager has his hands tied in picking the front three. Isco is likely to come back in the lineup and should start from the left flank. That would mean summer signing Vinicius Junior could be pushed on the right flank as Vasquez is suspended. Karim Benzema is expected to lead the line for the Galacticos.
