Real Madrid Predicted XI Against Alaves: A Vinicius Comeback?

After a great performance in the UEFA Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid now prepare to take on Alaves in La Liga on Saturday night as they continue to aim for first place in the standings.

With only a few days to prepare and rest for the game but a week between the match against Alaves and their next La Liga match, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will be expected to make a few changes to the team but won’t do anything drastic.

Thibaut Courtois:

The shot stopper continues to impress and the only way for him to continue playing the way he has been is to play consistently. He’s definitely reached his best form so far since joining the club.

Dani Carvajal:

Personally, I would have liked to see Carvajal rested for this game, but I doubt this is going to happen. The right-back has finally gained some form and Zidane will probably start him in order to avoid any unnecessary risks.

Eder Militao:

I think this is where we’ll see our first change. Raphael Varane has been brilliant so far this season but Eder Militao needs time on the pitch which he hasn’t gotten in a while. Starting him against Alaves is a must, in my opinion.

Sergio Ramos:

Didn’t have a great outing against PSG but his influence on the team is unmatched. The captain will be expected to play once again on the night.

Ferland Mendy:

Marcelo was rested in the last league game and played brilliantly against PSG but he seemed a little tired by the end of the match, more than usual. I predict that Zidane will rest him for this game just for precaution and start with the reliable Ferland Mendy instead.

Carlos Casemiro:

Even if Zidane decides to rest the full team and come out with a completely new lineup, Carlos Casemiro will still be there. He’s the first name on the team sheet and it’s very clear to see why. Real Madrid simply are not the same without the Brazilian.

Luka Modric:

Luka Modric came on as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League game against PSG and impressed just like he did against Real Sociedad. I would be surprised if the Croatian isn’t named as a starter on Saturday afternoon.

Toni Kroos:

In his post-match press conference, Zidane admitted that Federico Valverde got tired on the night and therefore he will probably choose to rest him and go with his historically famous trio in midfield which includes the German who has been in incredible form recently.

Rodrygo Goes:

The return of La Liga probably means the return of Rodrygo Goes. I expect that he’ll start on the right ahead of Gareth Bale as the young winger has impressed in his last few outings.

Vinicius Junior:

I know this is a risky prediction given that Vinicius has not been called up for the past two games but with Eden Hazard’s injury, I think this may be the perfect time to give him a chance to prove himself once again. If anything, Gareth Bale will be on the bench to come on for either Brazilian if they’re under-performing.

Karim Benzema:

Personally, I would go with Luka Jovic up front as he desperately needs time on the pitch and even though I am pondering a 4-4-2 on the night, it hasn’t worked too well whenever Zidane has opted to go with it. Benzema is in incredible form though and for that reason, he’s extremely difficult to drop even if it’s for rest.

Full Predicted Lineup – 

Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema