Real Madrid Predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid: Time to Step Up

Real Madrid must beat Atletico Madrid in order to stay in the hunt for La Liga or risk going as many as nine points behind their arch rivals.

Real Madrid find themselves preparing for what is arguably the most difficult derby in recent years against an Atletico Madrid side that finally seem like the polished, finished size that Diego Simeone always dreamed of. However, Real Madrid are prepared to spoil the party for their next door neighbors and will aim to do so only three days after beating Borussia Monchengladbach in the UEFA Champions League.

Goalkeeper

After having a fairly easy time out and ending the game with a clean sheet, Thibaut Courtois will be happy with how things have gone for him heading into this game. As a former player under Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid, the Belgian will always have a special feeling for this match but old friends will be forgotten for at least 90 minutes on the night.

Defenders

As I write this, I hope I don’t jinx it but it looks like Real Madrid have a fully fit defensive lineup for the first time in a very long time. Dani Carvajal, who was not risked against Monchengladbach, is expected to start as our right-back with the safe partnership of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos alongside him in the center. Varane is still trying to find ways to find his best form again and a good performance here could do wonders. On the left, Ferland Mendy will be starting again as he has consistently proven himself to be our best left-back.

Midfielders

This is where it could get slightly complicated for Los Blancos. With Carlos Casemiro expected to start as our defensive midfielder, it will be interesting to see what Zidane has in mind when it comes to who will be in front of him. Toni Kroos is also expected to make the starting eleven and it looks like we may see Luka Modric pushed to his limits with yet another start. Could Zidane come out with a surprise of his own and start with Federico Valverde who recently returned to full training? It will be intriguing to see what the manager has in mind.

Forwards

Even though Rodrygo has been doing quite well, it looks like Zidane will continue showing confidence in Lucas Vazquez after quite a few strong performances on the right. With Carvajal back, Vazquez will be pushed into a more familiar position and his work rate could end up being the difference in the match. On the opposite flank, Vinicius Junior will need to come out with one of his “big-game performances” against an extremely arrogant Atletico Madrid defense. Up front, Karim Benzema will start and he will play with a little more ease after scoring twice in midweek.

Full Predicted Lineup:

Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Lucas Vazquez, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema