Real Madrid have won three games on the bounce now and will be looking to make it four when they make the trip to Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium for a late Wednesday evening kick-off. Valencia are placed sixth in the point tables, tied on points with seventh-placed Sevilla, but ahead on a head to head basis in the Primera Division in Spain.
Zidane’s return has ignited a new spark in this Real Madrid side that looked mundane and monotonous right throughout the 2018/19 season. Although it will be nearly impossible for Zidane to win any sort of silverware from where he started, the Whites can pip Atletico for the second spot this weekend.
Atleti plays Barcelona at the Camp Nou, and Zidane’s men stand a good chance of going ahead of their noisy neighbours on points. Even if the proceedings in Barcelona end in a draw, Real would be placed over Atleti in the points table if they manage a win.
Valencia would be high on confidence after beating Sevilla 0-1 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan about a day ago. It would be a game of high intensity between the two historic Spanish sides at the beach city of Valencia.
Zidane would have somewhat of a selection headache with the likes of several first-team regulars like Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois being unavailable for selection due to injury. Apart from that, Zidane has a full squad to pick from here.
Defence
Keylor Navas is set to return between the sticks following an outing for the third choice keeper, Luca Zidane against Huesca. Summer recruit, Odriozola would start in the right back position in place of Carvajal who is nursing a torn muscle bundle.
Main-stays in the Madrid defence; Varane, Ramos and Marcelo would slot into the remaining three positions.
Midfield
Zidane gave rest to the midfield trio of Kroos, Modric and Casemiro for the Matchday 29 fixture against Huesca and they would be fresh to start in midfield for this fixture. Isco, who has been a bright spark since his return from injury, will play just ahead of the midfield trident.
Attack
Karim Benzema who has seemingly hit his purple patch would be leading the Madrid attack alongside Welsh international, Gareth Bale.
Predicted Line-Up
Navas
Odriozola – Varane – Ramos – Marcelo
Modric – Casemiro – Kroos
Isco
Bale – Benzema
