Real Madrid prepare to take on Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday night in what is a must-win match if they plan to continue fighting for the league title. However, with just three days gone since their 1-1 draw against Chelsea while they also have a massive week coming up which will see them go against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League second-leg as well as Sevilla in the league, Zidane will be forced to make as many changes as possible to his lineup as fatigue has become a massive problem for his squad.
Goalkeeper
One player who wouldn’t have to worry about fatigue is Thibaut Courtois who will be starting this match as well. Even though he conceded in the last match as stood in goal against his old club, he still offered a lot and had a very solid night. He’ll probably be needed a lot more this time around.
Defenders
Not because we saw it against Chelsea but because it may actually be the right move this time around, expect Zinedine Zidane to go with a back three on the night. Due to lack of choices, the manager will most probably end up going with the three that we saw on Tuesday night as Nacho Fernandez, Raphael Varane, and Eder Militao will be chosen. The good news is that Sergio Ramos is expected to return to the team and if he’s part of the squad, he’ll definitely get some minutes in the match as he prepares for the second-leg against Chelsea.
Midfielders
Due to the prediction that the team will be coming out with a back three in defense, the wing backs will have a lot to do. He had a rough couple of games recently but expect Marcelo to be given another shot on the left. He won’t be available for the game against Chelsea on Wednesday and with Ferland Mendy returning from injury, he’ll almost definitely come on during the game if he’s with the squad.
On the right side, Dani Carvajal should be given a rest with Alvaro Odriozola chosen to start ahead of the defender. Carvajal may not be going through fatigue but he’s very injury prone and Real Madrid simply cannot afford to lose him to another injury at this time.
Carlos Casemiro will be starting as well as the defensive midfielder but expect Zidane to rest both Luka Modric and Toni Kroos on the night. Antonio Blanco deserves another shot in the starting lineup after he impressed during the past couple of La Liga matches and he’ll most probably be accompanied by Isco who would be starting in his second consecutive La Liga match.
Forwards
Things could get a little bit tricky here as Zidane won’t want to make too many amendments to his team but Vinicius Junior should be rested with Rodrygo Goes taking his place. Rodrygo excels in this position and he has been slowly improving and deserves a chance to really show what he’s capable of.
Up front, Karim Benzema will most likely start even though the manager would have liked to rest him surely. However, Mariano Diaz simply hasn’t reached the heights that they need him to reach and it will be difficult to start him but he will almost definitely be playing at some point during the second 45 minutes.
Full Predicted Lineup
Thibaut Courtois, Nacho Fernandez, Raphael Varane, Eder Militao, Alvaro Odriozola, Marcelo, Carlos Casemiro, Antonio Blanco, Isco, Rodrygo Goes, Karim Benzema
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