After a dominant win in El Clasico, Real Madrid will hit the road to face Real Betis.
Real Madrid will take on Real Betis after coming out of a much-needed El Clasico victory. In a way, this game is a little more important as Los Blancos have found themselves losing motivation against the “smaller” sides and therefore it will be interesting to see how they approach this one a week after the biggest game in the league.
Goalkeeper
After yet another impressive display against Barcelona, Thibaut Courtois will be the man expected to start. Zinedine Zidane has admitted how happy he is with the Belgian goalkeeper and there is absolutely no reason to make any changes to the position now.
Defenders
After resting for a week since their last match, Zidane would be expected to come out with his preferred back four. Dani Carvajal will be on the right after an extremely impressive display while Raphael Varane will start as he has been our best defender this season.
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Sergio Ramos will partner him in the center of defense while Marcelo may actually be chosen once again after an incredible outing against Barcelona. However, Zidane may opt to rest the Brazilian and go with the dependable Ferland Mendy instead.
Midfielders
With the performances that he has had so far this season, it is a little difficult to say that Carlos Casemiro was at his absolute best during El Clasico but he was and will be chosen to start again in defensive midfield.
The two players in front of him may end up being Toni Kroos who simply cannot be benched anymore with Luka Modric alongside him after the Croatian was rested last week.
Forwards
When players are at their best and showing extreme determination, it’s very difficult to bench them and hope they maintain that same drive. Therefore, I think that Zidane’s best option would be to start Vinicius Junior on the left flank while the debate rises on who should start on the right.
Would it be a step too far if I predict it to be Gareth Bale? The Welshman is fully fit and should be able to offer a lot going forward against Real Betis. Up front, it’s almost certain that the man chosen will be Karim Benzema who has been going through a slump since his last goal, which came against Atletico Madrid on February 1.
Full Predicted Lineup
Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Carlos Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema