Real Madrid will be locking horns with Eibar at the Ipurua Stadium on Matchday 14 of La Liga Santander. The Whites have registered four consecutive victories in all competitions and it will be a fine Sunday evening in the Spanish countryside to make it five.
This fixture is expected to be a walk in the park for Sergio Ramos & Co. Several first team regulars could also be rested for this tie keeping in mind the fixture congestion for the month of December.
Zidane’s side will be heading into the fixture without the services of Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Martin Odegaard. Hazard and Odegaard are nursing muscular problems whereas Jovic has broken his tendon. It will be interesting to see how Zidane orders his to side to play on Sunday.
Here’s how Real could line-up against Eibar away from home –
Defence
Courtois will take charge between the sticks for Los Blancos. The Belgian has displayed some sensational form of late and Zizou will be counting on him as always. Dani Carvajal’s return from injury has been a huge blessing for the Whites and the Spaniard will undoubtedly start at the right-back slot. Raphael Varane, who has become such a crucial member of this Real Madrid side, will start in heart of Madrid’s defence.
Varane will be paired up alongside his partner in crime, Sergio Ramos. These two central defenders are a nightmare for any attacker and Eibar will not have it easy on Sunday evening. Marcelo is expected to get the nod for this fixture ahead of Ferland Mendy who could be offered some much needed rest. Marcelo has fallen down the ranks at Madrid over the years after being a regular starter for nearly a decade.
Midfield
Federico Valverde is expected to retain his position in the starting eleven after an impressive run against Athletic Bilbao. The Urugyan recently made a recovery from an injury and it seems to be all positive for him in the road ahead. Casemiro will make a return to the playing eleven following the one game suspension he served for amassing five yellow cards. Toni Kroos will join the two talented midfielders in the center of the park to complete Zidane’s midfield trident. Kroos will have to shoulder a large section of the responsibilities amongst the three midfielders in the absence of Luka Modric from the line-up. The Croatian has started seven games on the bounce and its critical for Zizou to rest him.
Attack
Rodrygo would be roaring for a start in the side, something that has been long overdue. However, the sudden emergence of Vasquez onto the scene has made things a bit challenging for the Brazilian teenager. Rodrygo has been patient for his chances this season but has pounced onto them in a hurry. Zidane will not be let down by this rising star. Karim Benzema scored a brace at the Alfredo de Stefano Stadium against Athletic and will be keen to add to his goals tally for the season. The striker will occupy the number nine position especially in the absence of Luka Jovic. Vinicius Jr will retain his place in the starting eleven with Eden Hazard yet nursing his muscle injury. Vinicius got himself an assist as he set-up Toni Kroos’ opening goal this midweek.
Predicted Line-Up
