Real Madrid Predicted Lineup at Real Sociedad for Matchday 16 of La Liga
Real Madrid have another tough matchup in La Liga on schedule this weekend, as Los Blancos must travel to the Anoeta Stadium to face one of the top three teams in the league thus far, Real Sociedad. Last weekend, Los Blancos defeated another one of the top four teams in the league in Sevilla, and they are fresh off a narrow victory against another tough side in Athletic Bilbao. But in truth, Madrid did not impress in either match. They must play a more complete game, especially defensively, in order to beat the stars of La Real.
In their last two meetings with the Basque side, Real Madrid have drawn both times. There is no such thing as an easy match against La Real, who famously knocked them out of the 2019-2020 Copa del Rey behind an inspired performance from Alexander Isak.
Here is a look at the Real Madrid predicted lineup for Matchday 16 of La Liga against Real Sociedad on Saturday night at the Anoeta. After this match, Los Merengues will have two more big matches against reigning title winners Inter and Atletico Madrid, so Carlo Ancelotti will be weighing both the importance of this match and the need for wins against these two teams.
GK Thibaut Courtois
After being ranked eighth in the Yashin rankings, Thibaut Courtois was vital in a Man of the Match-winning display at the Bernabeu against Athletic Club. Clean sheets have been hard to find due to the way the team has played, but Courtois has been a weekly hero for Los Merengues. He is a lock to start against La Real and will surely be called into action frequently. The opposition have some fantastic forwards such as superstar Mikel Oyarzabal, youngster Ander Barrenetxea, and the silky-smooth Isak.
LB Ferland Mendy
Like Courtois, Ferland Mendy is another safe starter in the Real Madrid XI. Mendy has been quiet on the offensive end, but, on the positive, he has been just as quiet defensively. That means he is doing his job for the team.
CB David Alaba
David Alaba has impressed with his leadership, stepping into the No. 4 role at Real Madrid with aplomb. Los Merengues need the veteran central defender to be at his best against La Real. His ability to read the game and quickly turn defense into attack via interceptions will come in handy. Don’t be surprised if his outlet balls to Vinicius Junior end up being important sources of attacks – and goals – for the Royal White side in this La Liga road match.
CB Eder Militao
Eder Militao made some colossal interventions in Wednesday’s clean sheet against Athletic Club, but his defending on set pieces leaves a lot to be desired. That could be something Imanol Alguacil tries to take advantage of on Saturday night in front of the home crowd. Real Sociedad have a lot to play for, and they will not play scared. Militao will have his work cut out for him tracking all the runs of the La Real attackers, especially the cunning Isak.
RB Dani Carvajal
After some deserved rest against Bilbao following a fatigued, uncharacteristic weekend performance vs. Sevilla, Dani Carvajal will be back in the XI on Matchday 16. Every match is an opportunity for Carvajal to reassert himself as the best right back in the world, as more attacking options like Achraf Hakimi and Trent Alexander-Arnold have taken over that honor in the eyes of many. Consistency is of paramount importance to a player like Carvajal.