La Liga leaders Real Madrid will be looking to maintain their one point lead at the top of the table over fierce rivals Barcelona when they travel to the Ciutat De Valencia stadium to take on Levante this weekend. Real Madrid’s latest league fixture ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw, where Los Blancos came back from a goal behind to lead, only to then concede again in the late stages of the tie.
Zidane even has a midweek fixture against English champions Manchester City to worry about, meaning that there could be some changes from the team that played the game against Celta Vigo last time out. With the Catalan side just a point off the Galacticos as well, it’s essential for Madrid to maintain the form and keep their place atop the La Liga table.
Team News
Marco Asensio remains sidelined for Los Blancos after suffering a gutting knee injury before the start of the league campaign. Although the Spaniard is an important player for Zidane’s team, they’ve done well to make do without him. James Rodriguez is set to return from his hip problem and make the bench for this fixture, while Mariano Diaz could also come back into the 18 for this away trip.
Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Lineup Vs Levante
Formation: 4-3-3
Defence
Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois didn’t have the greatest starts to life at Real Madrid, but he’s gone on to establish himself as the indispensable number one at the club. In front of him, Sergio Ramos is expected to continue in the heart of the defence, alongside Eder Militao. While Marcelo started the recent league fixture against Celta, Zidane will likely rest the Brazilian ahead of the visit by Manchester City. Ferland Mendy could come into the side in his stead, with Dani Carvajal set to operate down the right.
Midfield
Federico Valverde has been one of the shining stars of this Real Madrid team this season. His work-rate and enthusiasm in the middle of the park have done wonders for Zidane’s side, and the youngster is expected to continue in the starting lineup. Toni Kroos could drop down to the bench for this fixture against Levante, with former Tottenham man Luka Modric replacing him in the lineup. Casemiro is expected to maintain his place in the side as well.
Attack
Karim Benzema has been in excellent goalscoring form this season, and the French striker is undoubtedly going to continue up-front, especially considering Luka Jovic’s terrible La Liga return so far. Eden Hazard is unlikely to be rested for this fixture, having missed the last few months out due to injury. On the other flank though, expect to see Gareth Bale dropping down to the bench, to be replaced by Spanish trickster Isco.
