Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Huesca: Big Changes in Defense?

Real Madrid are mathematically still in the title race but find themselves having to climb a massive hill which sees Atletico Madrid ten points ahead with a game-in-hand.

Even though the league isn’t over yet, you’d be forgiven to believe that it’s just a matter of time until Atletico are crowned champions especially when you know that Real Madrid’s loss against Levante last weekend won’t be the last time they fail to get all three points.

Having said that, it’s very difficult to see Zinedine Zidane make any real rotations to his squad simply because anything is possible but also because anyone who needed extra playing time has left the club such as Luka Jovic who has been in sensational form for Eintracht Frankfurt and Martin Odegaard who finds himself at Arsenal.

Other players, namely Isco and Mariano Diaz, are not fully trusted by the manager anymore. The good news though is that we could see some players returning from injury for this match.

Goalkeeper

Unless it’s mathematically impossible to win the league and UEFA Champions League qualification is secured, do not expect the manager to make any changes to the goalkeeping position. Thibaut Courtois is expected to start against last-placed Huesca on Saturday while Andriy Lunin will have to continue being patient.

Defenders

We can expect some changes to the defensive line after last weekend. Alvaro Odriozola got a rare chance to start but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do himself any favors as Dani Carvajal will be expected to return after his injury. It wouldn’t be too surprising to see Lucas Vazquez start as he is also returning from injury while Carvajal comes in as a substitute or vice-versa. It will be a little surprising to see either of them play the full 90 minutes though.

Raphael Varane will take his place in the center and be accompanied by Sergio Ramos who also finds himself returning from an injury layoff. With Eder Militao suspended for this game, the only other natural center-back at the team now is youngster Victor Chust who will possibly start if Ramos isn’t fully fit. The left-back position will be taken by Marcelo. Zidane still has some trust in the Brazilian and if he is going to fight for a spot, it has to be against teams like Huesca.

Midfielders

Carlos Casemiro will be starting as the defensive midfielder. Against Levante, he was forced to leave that position after only eight minutes due to Militao’s red card and the frustration towards the end of the game was evident for everyone to see.

To be clear, the frustration wasn’t at the fact that he was forced to play out of position, but just because things were slipping away from them and he wasn’t able to do what he usually does in midfield to try and help. In front of him, the constantly performing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will be taking their places to help Los Merengues get all three points on the night.

Forwards

Up front, no major changes will be expected as Zidane fully trusts Marco Asensio who had his moments during the game against Levante. On the opposite side, will we see Eden Hazard complete 90 minutes finally?

Vinicius Junior has not been in form at all either so if it’s between both players on the left flank, Hazard is the better choice currently. Up front, Karim Benzema will want to improve on his performance from last weekend as he hopes to get on the score sheet and help his team come out victorious.

Full Predicted Lineup

Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Carlos Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Marco Asensio, Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema