Real Madrid’s dismal season continued as the Galacticos endured another disappointing loss in their last match in La Liga against Rayo Vallecano. Zinedine Zidane’s side will surely look to bounce back from the defeat when they take on Villareal in their next encounter.
Villareal have not done very well in La Liga themselves this season and are currently stranded in the 14th position. However, given the tumultuous situation, their next opponents are in at the moment, Javier Calleja’s side will fancy their chances of getting all three points from their game against Real Madrid.
Team News
Los Blancos were undone by the lack of firepower in their last match against Rayo and would be without their main man in attack Karim Benzema as he is nursing an injury. Vinicius Junior is still recovering from his injury as well and is expected to be left out of the starting lineup for the match against Villareal as well.
In the defensive department, captain Sergio Ramos and right back Alvaro Odriozola are also expected to miss out with their respective injuries.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois’ return to the first team was not what he would have expected as he conceded the only goal of the match against Rayo. The big Belgian could be rested as Keylor Navas should start in the game against Villareal.
Defence
In the absence of Sergio Ramos, the onus to guard the backline would be on Nacho and Raphael Varane. The duo did not have a great time away from home in the last match and will need to dish out an improved performance in the next encounter.
Dani Carvajal will start in the right-back role while Marcelo is expected to put in a shift from the left-hand side of the backline.
Midfield
The Real Madrid midfield’s performance in the last match against Rayo was far from satisfactory, but Zidane is expected to make no changes in this department ahead of the Villareal match. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are expected to start in central midfield while Marcos Llorente would play as the defensive midfielder. Dani Ceballos is expected to remain in the bench.
Attack
In the absence of Benzema, Mariano Diaz would once again lead the line for the Galacticos against Villareal. Gareth Bale would put in a shift from the left-hand side as the wide attacker while Isco starts on the right-hand side in the same role.
Predicted Formation: 4-1-2-3
