Real Madrid are on the cusp of a title, but beating Villarreal won’t be easy.
Real Madrid are one game away from being crowned as La Liga champions for the 34th time after they have consistently impressed since returning from suspension with nine wins out of nine games to put them four points ahead of Barcelona with only two matches left. The title is theirs to lose and if they can guarantee at least three points, then the title is theirs regardless of how their rivals do in the upcoming games.
Because of that, Zinedine Zidane will have to think long and hard about how to approach the game against Villarreal, a team who have been impressive this season and already caused some damage to Los Merengues with a 2-2 draw early during the season. Even though they’ll have another chance against Leganes, I’m sure that the manager, the team and the fans will not want to delay this any longer.
Predicted Lineup:
Goalkeeper –
With approximately five and a half full games without conceding, Thibaut Courtois couldn’t keep a clean sheet against Granada but still had some incredible moments that kept Real Madrid in the game, especially during a very nervous second half. He will be chosen to start again in what could be his final La Liga match this season – if Real Madrid win, we may see Areola next time.
Defenders –
After returning from suspension, Dani Carvajal was not as impressive as he could have been but will be picked again on Thursday night. Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos will be chosen in the middle as they have been the best two central defenders at the club while Ferland Mendy, who scored his first Real Madrid goal last time out, will take his place at left-back to continue showing everyone why Zidane trusted the young Frenchman enough to bring him to the Spanish capital.
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Midfielders –
In the match against Granada, Zidane decided to go with a five-man midfield. This isn’t the first time he’s done it but it seems to be hit-or-miss with him. Against Villarreal, I think we’ll see the team go back to what they know best. Carlos Casemiro will be expected to take his place behind Luka Modric and possibly Federico Valverde.
Toni Kroos is undoubtedly the first choice but even though he had a great game against Granada, he seemed to be more tired than usual at the end and therefore the manager may decide to start him on the bench this time.
Forwards –
Judging by how things have been going in the past few games, it’ll be a little risky to predict this but I think that we’ll see Eden Hazard make his first start since his injury while Rodrygo Goes will start on the opposite side. Up front, there is no denying that Karim Benzema will be the chosen one.
Full Predicted Lineup:
Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Eden Hazard, Rodrygo Goes, Karim Benzema