Real Madrid Predicted XI Vs. Real Betis: Marcelo Gets The Nod

Real Madrid will face Real Betis in a tough game at the Benito Villamarin on Saturday night.

After a draw against Real Sociedad during their first match of the season, Real Madrid are preparing to take on a Real Betis side who started their La Liga campaign perfectly with two wins out of two against Deportivo Alaves and Real Valladolid.

A lot of talk has been surrounding the team and Zidane regarding their 0-0 draw. It was less due to the play and more about the lack of goals – and lack of opportunities created while the manager decided to bring on two debutants rather than a proven goal scorer to try and break the tie. However, we know Zidane well and we know that he ignores the outside voices and focuses on what he believes is best and he has definitely earned the right to do so.

Goalkeeper – 

Thibaut Courtois seems to have returned with the same strength he had last season after he started the campaign with a clean sheet and a couple of great saves. The Belgian is expected to start again and should continue to do so for the majority of matches this season except for the Copa del Rey, where we can finally see Andriy Lunin make his long-awaited Real Madrid appearances.

Defenders – 

It’s difficult to see much change with regards to the defense. Dani Carvajal played his heart out against Real Sociedad but he would have had enough time to rest and be 100% ready for the game against Real Betis. Raphael Varane, who was the man-of-the-match during the last game will be starting alongside the captain, Sergio Ramos. As always when it comes to the left-back, it’s a coin-toss but I’ll place my money on Marcelo making his first appearance of the season after Ferland Mendy was picked in the last game.

Midfielders – 

Zinedine Zidane shocked everyone when he benched Carlos Casemiro in the last game but the Brazilian is expected to return to the starting eleven this time and he will be behind Toni Kroos who had a decent match but will now be able to play in his more natural position.

The third midfielder will be chosen but I think we’ll see another appearance for the young returnee Martin Odegaard who needs the match practice to get used to his new team. It currently looks like Federico Valverde may have gone down the pecking order just a tad but patience will probably show that Zidane has a plan for the Uruguayan this season.

Forwards – 

With Los Merengues still expecting the same absentees as last week, we may have to wait a little longer before we see Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, or Lucas Vazquez in the team. Therefore, expect the front three to be Rodrygo Goes on the right even though it has become increasingly clear that the Brazilian simply cannot flourish there while Vinicius Junior should build on the energetic performance we witnessed against Real Sociedad. Up front, it’s hard to bet against Karim Benzema who will be hoping that this time around, he will be able to get his name on the score sheet.

Full Predicted Lineup:

Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Carlos Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Martin Odegaard, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema