Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Elche: Odegaard to Start?

Real Madrid face Elche at the Estadio Martinez Valero on Wednesday and look to close the year out with a seventh straight win.

Real Madrid prepare for their La Liga match against Elche after having their first week-long ‘break’ in a while. The team needed the extra days off after Zinedine Zidane’s reluctance to rotate and it looked like some players were slowly reaching their peak of fatigue. However, after a week since their last match, it will be interesting to see if the manager decides to take any risks this time around or to play it ‘safe’.

Goalkeeper

As has been the case throughout the season so far, Thibaut Courtois will be the man between the sticks for the match. It is probably frustrating for Andriy Lunin as he patiently waits for his debut but he knows the situation and he’s aware that he will finally get his chance in the Copa del Rey once it begins.

Defenders

With spectacular performances since his return from injury, there’s little doubt that anyone will take Dani Carvajal out of position. The right-back has been sensational and has continued to be an incredible asset to the team. In the center, the partnership of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos is expected to continue but the Frenchman will need to find a way to improve on his performances so far this season. We all know what he’s capable of, let’s just hope that we see him reach these heights soon. On the left, Ferland Mendy will start as he firmly establishes himself as the starting left-back at the team.

Midfielders

Might there be a change in the midfield for this match? With Carlos Casemiro expected to start as the defensive midfielder, we may see Zidane take a (hopefully) small risk in benching Toni Kroos for this game while giving Martin Odegaard a chance once again. We all know he rates the Norwegian midfielder highly and this could be a chance for him to prove himself again after returning from injury a couple weeks ago. With Luka Modric just returning from injury, Federico Valverde is also expected to start for the second consecutive match.

Forwards

One man has been incredibly consistent throughout the past couple months and has proven many doubters wrong and he’s expected to be a part of the starting lineup once again on Wednesday night as Lucas Vazquez is continuing to show exactly what he’s capable of offering the team as he nears the end of his current contract. On the other side, Vinicius Junior is expected to start as well. With many people hoping for Eden Hazard to be a starter, it’s doubtful that the manager will want to take that risk. However, you can definitely expect the Belgian to make an appearance. Up front, is there any doubt whatsoever about Karim Benzema starting? He has been back to his spectacular form and is hoping to continue that on Wednesday.

Full Predicted Lineup

Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Federico Valverde, Martin Odegaard, Lucas Vazquez, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema