Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Elche: Changes for Zidane?
Real Madrid prepare to take on Elche after their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid as they realize winning La Liga may end up being a very difficult task.
However, this is Real Madrid and this is a team that will never give up unless it’s mathematically impossible but they’ll also have to keep in mind that this is a week where they will have a UEFA Champions League game to look forward to against Atalanta after the first-leg ended 1-1 to the Spaniards. Does that mean we will be seeing some changes from Zinedine Zidane?
Goalkeeper
Before the game against Atletico Madrid, Thibaut Courtois spoke about how undervalued he has been feeling especially with his current form and he did not disappoint in El Derbi Madrileno with yet another great night for the Belgian. He will be expected to start against Elche as well.
Defenders
It could be a little risky to go for this but I believe we’ll be seeing some changes in defense. Lucas Vazquez needs some rest especially with a big midweek game coming up so we could see Alvaro Odriozola make his first appearance since returning from injury.
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In the center, we will most probably not see any changes in the partnership between Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez as both players will want to show an improved performance to what we witnessed in the last match.
On the left, could Marcelo be given the nod? It’s not too likely but it also makes sense given the game and the fact that like Vazquez, Ferland Mendy needs a rest as well.
Midfielders
Given that he will be suspended for the match against Atalanta, Carlos Casemiro will be starting the game. It’s unlikely that Zidane would have benched him even if the Brazilian would have been able to play in midweek.
In front of him, expect Luka Modric to be given some rest or maybe come on in the second half as it seems like a good time for Federico Valverde to start alongside Toni Kroos.
The Uruguayan will need the match practice especially if he’ll be playing in the Champions League as well.
Forwards
Can we expect Marco Asensio to be dropped to the bench? We would be seeing the return of the Brazilians as Rodrygo Goes could start in place of Asensio and Vinicius Junior being chosen on the other side after he was benched against Atletico Madrid but came on to have a very impactful performance.
Up front, it’s none other than Karim Benzema who has finally returned from injury and completed 90 minutes against the cross-city rivals in a game that ended with a late goal from the Frenchman.
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Full Predicted Lineup
Thibaut Courtois, Alvaro Odriozola, Raphael Varane, Nacho Fernandez, Marcelo, Carlos Casemiro, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema