Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI vs. Real Sociedad: Gareth Bale will start

The Real Madrid squad has finally returned from their international duties as they now prepare to take on Real Sociedad in the first game out of two must-win matches this week.

With the opponents finding themselves above expectations in fifth place, this will not be an easy match for Real Madrid against a team where their very own Martin Odegaard is making a name for himself.

Zinedine Zidane will undoubtedly have one eye on their midweek UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain but unfortunately, he won’t really have the luxury of rotating his squad to much on the night.

Thibaut Courtois:

The team’s first-choice goalkeeper is expected to start once again and hopefully continue his run of hot form that he had before the international break. The criticism of the Belgian has died down recently and he’ll definitely want to keep it that way.

Dani Carvajal:

Zidane’s lack of trust when it comes to Alvaro Odriozola is very evident and therefore I predict that Carvajal will start this match as Sociedad have proven how threatening they can be when moving forward. Carvajal hasn’t been at his best this season but he’s capable of getting the job done.

Raphael Varane:

Personally, I would have liked to see Eder Militao start but it may be a little risky. Zidane knows how valuable the three points are and will probably end up going with his most trusted central defenders on the night. This could change next weekend.

Sergio Ramos:

A game where you need three points against a team doing a lot better than they were predicted to? Sergio Ramos can be the game changer here and he will definitely be needed on the night.

Ferland Mendy:

I think we’ll see Ferland Mendy start on the night and maybe Marcelo will be starting in midweek against Paris Saint-Germain. The French left-back has proven himself to be capable but he will have to be up for a difficult test if called upon.

Carlos Casemiro:

Every single time I put his name in the predicted XI, I worry. Nothing against him as a player obviously, but I just hope that the fact he isn’t being rested won’t be a problem. Spoiler alert: It will be a problem at some point.

Luka Modric:

Luka Modric came back early from international duty in order to train with the team as he missed the final Croatia match as the team already qualified for Euro 2020. He’s expected to start on the night as I doubt Zidane will want to play him against PSG.

Toni Kroos:

The German midfielder has been one of our best players this season and he’s needed in matches such as these. He’ll possibly be the difference maker against a resilient Real Sociedad side and alongside Modric, he’ll be able to stick to his position well.

Gareth Bale:

I’ll probably be the only one predicting Gareth Bale to start this game but it makes most sense right now. Zidane will probably want to calm everything down and starting the Welshman will be the perfect way. However, there is also a chance Rodrygo starts and he may keep Bale since he’s more experienced in the UCL.

Eden Hazard:

Consistently improving with every game and had a great time with the Belgian National Team. Of course, we run the risk of exhausting the player but he’ll probably be substituted off at some point in the second half depending on how the match progresses.

Karim Benzema:

His international break was full of controversy but as usual he stayed with the team, trained and got some rest. He will be at his best and therefore a definite starter on the night. We’ll need him as he has proven time and time again that he can be the difference maker.

Full Lineup – 

Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema