Real Madrid will take on Sevilla as they continue their pursuit of first place in La Liga.
Earlier this season, Real Madrid had a tough time against Sevilla but managed to come out with a 1-0 win thanks to Karim Benzema’s goal on the night.
This time, things are a little different as Los Merengues have found their footing in the competition and look like a much more solid team than they were back in September. However, the same can be said about a Sevilla side managed by Julen Lopetegui and they will want to get something out of the match.
Predicted XI:
Goalkeeper –
Is there anyone more trustworthy in goal than Thibaut Courtois at the moment? The Belgian has been in incredible form during the past couple months and his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup will simply boost his morale even more.
There is no denying that he is someone that should be a starter against a strong Sevilla side.
Defenders –
With Zidane as manager, I think it’s safe to know what his preferred back-four is. However, with Sergio Ramos injured for this match it looks like some changes will have to be made.
Expect to see Dani Carvajal at right-back as he’s clearly Zidane’s preferred option.
In the center, we will probably see a partnership of Raphael Varane and Eder Militao, both of whom have been quite impressive so far this season.
On the left, I think we will see the return of Marcelo to the starting lineup after Ferland Mendy was the starter during both games of the Spanish Super Cup. Marcelo will need to be at his best however, which is why Zidane may think twice about this decision before naming his starting eleven.
Midfielders –
I think that we have seen the end of the five-man midfield from Zidane as he used it against Valencia and Atletico Madrid – with it only working effectively in the semifinal match. Even though the team needs to control the midfield, having five men there isn’t necessarily the answer.
Los Blancos were dealt a blow after it has been confirmed that Federico Valverde will be suspended for this match after his red card against Atletico Madrid and therefore Zidane cannot count on the Uruguayan.
Carlos Casemiro will start as the defensive midfielder as he’s always the first name on the squad list while Toni Kroos will be in front of him to dictate the play as seamlessly as he does during every game.
It seems like Luka Modric is the best option to be alongside Kroos but there is a slight worry about his fitness after playing the full 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid.
Forwards –
The striker is where the main problem will be here as it is not yet known who will be fit and who won’t for sure yet.
On the right flank, Rodrygo Goes is the best option against a resilient Sevilla team who will do everything they can to stop us from being slightly comfortable when moving forward.
On the left, I think that giving Vinicius Junior the nod may do wonders for him and hopefully give us an edge in this game. As for the striker, it looks like Luka Jovic isn’t fully fit to start while Karim Benzema may not be fit either after recently returning from injury.
Could it be time to see Mariano Diaz start a game? He impressed in the minutes he had during the Spanish Super Cup and even though Zidane made it clear that the situation with Mariano hasn’t really changed, it may be that the French manager simply has no other option as of now.
But if Karim Benzema is fit enough, there is no doubt that he will start the match, especially against a team like Sevilla where Benzema’s brilliance is needed.
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