Real Madrid’s predicted XI at Osasuna: Eden Hazard’s return?
Real Madrid is out of the Copa del Rey after losing to Real Sociedad on Thursday, but they should be optimistic about their chances of beating Osasuna on Sunday. Here is the predicted starting lineup.
After their first loss in 21 games which saw them get knocked out of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid is back in action in La Liga as they take on Osasuna in a match where they will have to be at their best in order to keep their lead at the top of the table.
Some players were rested in the midweek match against Real Sociedad but they’ll all be back this time around as Zidane will be unable to take any risks on the night against an Osasuna side who currently find themselves in eleventh place.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois will return to the starting lineup on Sunday after he was rested against Real Sociedad with Alphonse Areola the man chosen during the cup games. It will be interesting to see if Areola plays any more this season with the Belgian the usual starter in the league and UEFA Champions League matches.
Courtois knows that even though he took no part in the loss on Thursday, the pressure to win is higher and therefore the pressure on his shoulders will be a little more than usual. However, this isn’t something foreign to him as he has shown that he can succeed even under immense pressure.
Defenders
What was witnessed on Thursday night was extremely shocking given how organized the Real Madrid defense usually is this season under Zidane. The manager will almost definitely go back to his trusted back four as he hopes they can continue in the manner they have been during the past few months.
Dani Carvajal should be fit to return by Sunday on the right as he will be accompanied by Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos. The captain didn’t have a great game last time out and knows that an improved performance from him is a must on Sunday.
On the left, Ferland Mendy will return as Marcelo has continuously failed to impress Zidane or the fans during his past few performances with the Frenchman doing the exact opposite.
Midfielders
The team simply isn’t complete without Carlos Casemiro as the Brazilian should be over his sickness and back into the lineup by Sunday. In front of him is where the questions come out as the manager may want to rotate a little bit given the strain on some of the players on Thursday.
It seems like the best choice would be Toni Kroos who should be ready to play even though he was also fielded on Thursday with Luka Modric beside him which means that Federico Valverde may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Forwards
Given how the game went on Thursday, Zidane may feel like he has no choice but to start Vinicius Junior on the left flank after the Brazilian forward impressed and seems to be back to his very best. On the right side, there is a small possibility that we could see Lucas Vazquez but I think the most obvious choice at the moment will be Rodrygo Goes.
Next. 5 players who must shine against Osasuna. dark
As for the striker, Karim Benzema could start even though it looks like he’s struggling a little bit with form. It may finally be time that we get to see some minutes for Eden Hazard though during the night after he returned from injury with Zidane understandably taking things slow with the Belgian. He was expected to get a call-up against Real Sociedad but it looks like the staff wanted to wait until Sunday just to be on the safe side.