Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI Against Unionistas de Salamanca

Real Madrid will finally begin their journey in the Copa del Rey with Unionistas de Salamanca being the first hurdle they have to get through in their pursuit of the trophy.

Zinedine Zidane is expected to make some major changes to the Real Madrid XI for this match, as it’s the perfect opportunity to play some of the players who haven’t gotten much of a chance recently. They will use this chance to prove that they have what it takes to have a more important role in the team for the other competitions.

Predicted Starting XI:

Goalkeeper –

I believe that it goes without saying here that Alphonse Areola will be the starting goalkeeper for this match. We saw a good amount from him during the earlier months of the season but not as much anymore especially with Courtois finding his best form. Areola starting this match gives the French goalkeeper minutes while the Belgian gets some rest.

Defenders –

Finally, we’ll see Dani Carvajal get some time to rest with Alvaro Odriozola expected to start ahead of him for this game. Odriozola hasn’t had the break he needed and he’ll need to do everything in his power to show Zidane how good he can be before the summer transfer window.

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As for the center-backs, Nacho Fernandez should be getting some time alongside Eder Militao and it will be very interesting to see how they do together. On the left, it’s a difficult choice but I predict we’ll see Marcelo start with Ferland Mendy taking his place at some point in the second half.

Midfielders –

Before moving forward, I have to say that I truly hope Carlos Casemiro is not on the pitch at all for this game. Federico Valverde will most probably take up the defensive midfield position after missing the match against Sevilla due to suspension.

In front of him is where things will get interesting as it’s difficult to predict what Zidane will do there.

In my opinion, I feel the best choice would be to start Isco and hopefully we can see the return of James Rodriguez. It will be a very attacking option but that’s something that Los Blancos can afford in this game.

Forwards –

Up front, it’s safe to assume that we will see Karim Benzema but I doubt it will be as a starter. I’m going to take some risks with this prediction and say that we’ll see Brahim Diaz start with Vinicius Junior on the opposite flank.

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I know that the possibility of this happening is quite low but are there really any “low” possibilities when it comes to Zidane? Up front, we’ll probably be seeing Luka Jovic be given his fourth consecutive start, as he still searches for what will only be his second goal of the season.

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