Real Madrid will be locking horns with their noisy neighbours, Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. Los Blancos trail Simeone’s men by five points in the Primera Division table and will be aiming to cut short the deficit to less than half this weekend.
Zinedine Zidane & Co. dropped points on Matchday 25 when they played host to Real Sociedad. It is crucial for the Whites to return home with the three points in the bag in order to keep their La Liga title hopes alive. When these two teams last met in the league, Real Madrid came out on top at the end of the ninety minutes.
The visitors have been struggling with injuries and a few players have made their return to the fold. However, the likes of Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal continue to remain absent. Here’s how Zidane’s men could take to the field on Sunday evening –
Real Madrid Predicted Line-Up Against Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid Predicted Line-Up Against Atletico Madrid
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will be taking command between the sticks for Los Blancos in the Madrid derby against his former side. Lucas Vasquez will be deputising at the right-back slot for the injured Dani Carvajal. A centre back pairing of Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez is likely to take the field of play despite the possible return of Eder Militao. Ferland Mendy will be assuming responsibilities at the left-back slot.
Midfield
Real Madrid’s most decorated and celebrated midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro will be entrusted with the responsibility of keeping things under check at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in the outskirts of Madrid. The trio has been carrying the weight of the entire team in recent times with injuries to several first-team regulars. Luka Modric will be up and ready for this fixture, as will be Toni Kroos. The two midfielders have been in sumptuous form and Zidane will be expecting more of the same from the duo. Federico Valverde and Isco will be making up the numbers on the bench.
Attack
Rodrygo should be starting at the left-wing position ahead of Marco Asensio. The Brazilian has been impressive post his return from injury when compared to Marco Asensio who has failed to live up to the expectations in recent games. Karim Benzema is expected to be back for the fixture, however, his availability is still a major doubt. Mariano might get the nod for the Madrid derby if Karim Benzema is not done nursing his injury in time. Vinicius Jr, who scored the all-important equalising goal against Real Sociedad, will be starting at the left-wing position with Eden Hazard’s availability still in contention.
Real Madrid Predicted Line-Up Against Atletico Madrid
