Real Madrid predicted XI vs. Leganes: Luka Jovic to start

Here’s a look at who should start for Real Madrid in the last game of the season.

Real Madrid have finally been crowned champions of the 2019/2020 La Liga season which means that Zinedine Zidane has fulfilled his promise that he made last summer as he said that the league will be the priority. However, Los Blancos still have one more game to be played in the competition as they prepare to take on a Leganes side fighting relegation.

Predicting Zidane’s starting lineups is usually a very difficult decision, but doing so for a match where there is nothing at stake makes it a lot more unpredictable. Will he go with players that haven’t gotten chances this season? Will he mix and match? I’m personally guessing that he will do what he can to give the ‘fringe’ players the opportunity they need before a small break until they prepare for the UEFA Champions League.

Predicted Starting Lineup:

Goalkeeper

We haven’t seen him in a while as Thibaut Courtois was in brilliant form throughout most of the season, but we may see Alphonse Areola take a starting spot this time around. He has usually impressed whenever called upon aside from some mishaps but the French goalkeeper will take his chances as he might be doing so for the last time before heading back to Paris Saint-Germain.

Defenders

As a make-shift right back, it looks like Zidane would usually prefer to go with Lucas Vazquez as Dani Carvajal’s replacement. Our two usual center-backs will probably be given some rest as Eder Militao could get the opportunity again alongside Nacho Fernandez who has recently returned from injury and therefore missed all the games since football returned. On the left, it looks like Ferland Mendy could continue his impressive performances there.

Midfielders

There shouldn’t be too many changes when it comes to the midfield as Carlos Casemiro could be starting once again behind Federico Valverde and Luka Modric. Surprisingly, it looks like Toni Kroos is in need of rest a little more than the Croatian at the moment so we’ll probably see them substituted with each other at some point in the match – possibly around the 60th minute. However, I’m predicting Isco to be starting as well here right behind the forwards.

Forwards

Here is where we’ll see a good amount of changes as I’ll definitely be taking a big risk with my choices in starters. I personally would have liked to see Brahim Diaz given an opportunity, but it looks like Karim Benzema will be given an opportunity to take over the Pichichi standings as he is currently just two goals behind the current leader, Lionel Messi. If Zidane does in fact go with a 4-4-2 formation, then beside Benzema will be Luka Jovic who really needs to impress after a disappointing season so far.

Full Predicted Lineup:

Alphonse Areola, Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Isco, Karim Benzema, Luka Jovic