Real Madrid have the opportunity this weekend to send across a firm and stern message to other competing La Liga sides when they make the trip to Valencia to play at the Mestalla stadium. The Whites can take a firm grip of the Spanish Primera Division title if they are successful in returning home to Madrid with all the three points in the bag.
Valencia have been struggling so far this season and have only amassed eight points out of eight matches and this contest is expected to be relatively easy for Zidane & Co. However, it will be difficult to rule out the Valencian side keeping in mind the squad they have.
Zidane will have nearly the entire squad at his disposal except for Carvajal, Odegaard and Militao. Eder has been diagnosed with the virus which has taken the world by a storm and will remain unavailable for selection. The absence of Carvajal certainly pinches Real and it has been very evident in the past few matches.
Here’s how the Real Madrid side could take to the field against Javi Gracia’s Valencia side –
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will be taking command between the sticks and will be determined to holding onto a clean-sheet after a couple of failed attempts. The Belgian has been in good form personally but has been let down by a make-shift backline.
Lucas Vasquez would be starting at the right-back spot in the absence of Dani Carvajal. The winger has done a satisfactory job on the right side of defence so far and Zidane will be hoping that Vasquez continues to enjoy a firm grip. Ramos and Varane will be pairing up in the heart of Madrid’s defence with Eder Militao out of the squad due to being diagnosed with the Coronavirus. Marcelo could be given the nod for this fixture ahead of Mendy.
Midfield
The tried, the tested and successful trident of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric will be taking command of things in the centre of the park. Federico Valverde will be making way for Modric in the playing eleven as Zidane might choose to rest him. Toni Kroos has been in fine form lately and so has Luka Modric. The midfield duo has been orchestrating play according to Zidane’s tune in the field of play. Isco is expected to make an appearance in this fixture off the substitutes bench.
Attack
Marco Asensio would be starting on the right-hand side despite a steamy performance from Rodrygo against Inter Milan. The Spaniard has become a crucial member of this Real Madrid side post a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Karim Benzema will start in the number nine position but a lot more will be expected out of the striker following a poor display against Valencia where he missed a couple of chances. Eden Hazard will be occupying the last position up for grabs. The Belgian wizard has shown some cheeky skills lately but has been evidently shy of taking on defenders like before. Hopefully, Hazard will settle in completely with a couple of more minutes under his belt.
Predicted Line-Up
