Real Madrid Predicted XI vs. Alaves: Marco Asensio on the right

How will Real Madrid line up against Deportivo Alaves on Friday?

Real Madrid find themselves in a slightly weird position after having a few days of “rest” and second-placed Barcelona having played before them. Since the return of La Liga, Los Merengues always played the first game but this week, it’s the other way around. They go into the game against Alaves with only one point (and a game-in-hand) separating them from their rivals.

Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper –

There is no denying that Thibaut Courtois will be the man between the sticks. He has been in incredible form and continues his hunt for the Zamora Trophy, which he is currently leading. The Belgian will want to continue proving himself and will get a chance to do so on Friday night.

Defenders –

It’s a little bittersweet but looks like Dani Carvajal will finally be getting some rest although it isn’t by choice. The Spaniard is suspended for the game and therefore it looks like Ferland Mendy will be the man picked on the right. We have seen it before and it wasn’t too convincing but with practice, anything is possible and we should expect a better showing from the Frenchman this time around.

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Raphael Varane is expected to return to the starting lineup as well after missing last match as a precaution after a head injury with Eder Militao slotting beside him to take the place of Sergio Ramos who will be suspended.

If Militao can perform like he did last time out, then we have nothing to worry about. On the left, Marcelo will get another chance to try putting some good performances together after what has been a very inconsistent season for him.

Midfielders –

It’s hard to imagine Zidane benching Carlos Casemiro and therefore we can expect the Brazilian to start as he simply makes the team better.

In front of him, it seems quite likely that we’ll be seeing the partnership of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric while Federico Valverde may have to settle for a place on the bench this time around.

Forwards –

As always, this is the most difficult to predict when it comes to Zidane and the abundance of choices he has. The easiest part would be to say that Karim Benzema will be starting as the main striker. When it comes to the wings though, things get a little bit more tricky.

Will he pick Marco Asensio again? What about Isco? In my opinion, I think the best bet would be to go with Vinicius Junior on the left flank while Marco Asensio will take his chances on the right. We have seen how dangerous the Spaniard is on the left but he can offer even more on the other side which might be something that Zidane wants to see.

Next. 5 Real Madrid players to watch against Alaves. dark

Full Predicted Lineup:

Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Raphael Varane, Eder Militao, Marcelo, Carlos Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio, Karim Benzema

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