Things have gone from bad to worse for Real Madrid, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against AC Milan in a crucial Champions League group stage encounter. High-flying Osasuna will travel to Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday afternoon, and it is high time for them to turn things around considering Barcelona’s nine-point cushion at the top of the league standings.
However, it won’t be a stroll in the park for reigning La Liga and European winners. Los Rojillos, who cinched a 4-2 win against the Catalans, are only three points behind the star-studded Blancos before clashing heads this weekend. Carlo Ancelotti must demand a reaction from his men to reinstate confidence before entering the international break.
Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Lineup To Face Osasuna
Defence
Andriy Lunin has conceded seven goals in the past two outings against Barcelona and AC Milan. Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined with a muscle injury, and the Ukrainian must step up his game unless the Belgian ‘number 1’ passes a late fitness test before Saturday’s encounter.
But they will continue without Dani Carvajal who endured a season-ending ACL injury a month ago. Makeshift Lucas Vazquez struggled against Raphinha and Rafael Leao and the veteran Spaniard might undergo further difficulties while facing Bryan Zaragoza down the wide. Despite David Alaba’s injury absence, Real Madrid have two towering centre-backs Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger. They must exhibit composure and control in the heart of the backline, however, Ancelotti should make a change down the left and hand Francisco Garcia a start over Ferland Mendy.
Midfield
The Italian boss made a strange call against Milan by taking Federico Valverde off at halftime. He addressed the decision by citing the Uruguayan’s back injury, but a recent report from COPE dismissed the claim which might spark a few questions in the coming days. Valverde won’t start the Osasuna tie if his injury is serious, also, Aurelien Tchouameni could be dropped having been taken off at the break due to tactical reasons. Veteran Luka Modric should orchestrate the show from the base of a three-man midfield, and his presence down the deep would allow Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to operate as the ‘number 8s’. Brahim Diaz and Dani Ceballos might be introduced in the second half to offer their creative spark.
Attack
Madrid are blessed to have two of the world’s best wide attackers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. Both prefer to operate from the left and the decision to play Mbappe as a ‘number 9’ has not worked out yet. Yet the Frenchman should spearhead the attack making way for the Brazilian ace. Rodrygo’s injury return might see the gaffer switch to a front-three to inject more firepower high up the pitch.
