Real Madrid will be looking to extend their winning run from two games to three in all competitions as they host Real Betis at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. The Spanish giants were recently overtaken by Barcelona at the top of the table and sealing all three points in this game could be imperative as they look to regain their position.
Here is how Zinedine Zidane’s team may lineup against Los Beticos this weekend.
Defence
Given that Madrid had played Leganes in midweek, we can expect Zidane to shuffle his defensive pack a little. The experienced duo of Danny Carvajal and Marcelo, in particular, are likely to make way for Alvaro Odriozola and Ferland Mendy in the fullback slots.
The defence will be led by Sergio Ramos, though new signing Eder Militao is also an option. The Spanish veteran will be partnered by Raphael Varane at the heart of Real Madrid’s four-man backline. These two will be dealt with a much trickier task of keeping the likes of Loren Moron and Nabil Fekir out.
Thibaut Courtois, meanwhile, is a guaranteed starter in goal. The Belgian hasn’t been able to impress after moving to the Bernabeu last summer. He will be looking for his fourth clean sheet of the campaign.
Midfield
Casemiro is undoubtedly going to start given Real Madrid’s shortage of options in the holding midfield department. The Brazilian will be tasked with the responsibility of providing security to the backline.
Luka Modric is expected to return to the squad, at the expense of Federico Valverde, who started against Leganes in midweek. As for Toni Kroos, he could retain his place in central midfield, ahead of Isco. Zidane has other options as well, including Brahim Diaz. But, the youngster is unlikely to feature given the quality of the opponent.
Attack
Rodrygo impressed a lot in the midweek win over Leganes. And with the attacking trio of Gareth Bale, Marco Asensio and James Rodriguez out injured, it won’t be surprising to see the Brazilian retain his place in the starting lineup.
He will feature as a right-winger, with Eden Hazard playing on the opposite flank. The Belgian has scored only one league goal since arriving at the Bernabeu and will be hungry to put his name on the scoresheet this weekend.
And finally, Real Madrid will once again be led by top scorer Karim Benzema. The Frenchman has already netted seven goals this term and will get the nod ahead of Luka Jovic in the number nine slot.
