Real Madrid Predicted Lineup at Real Sociedad for Matchday 16 of La Liga

CM Toni Kroos

Despite playing at a very high level in yet another match, Toni Kroos was subbed off late in the cagey win vs. Bilbao, presumably to spare him additional fatigue before this marquee matchup at the Anoeta. Kroos is playing at a higher level than maybe any other midfielder in the world right now, and Real Madrid need that to continue against La Real. If Mikel Merino cannot play for the home side, then that is an additional boost for the so-called “German sniper”. Kroos has come agonizingly close to scoring another banger from outside the box – as he did in the Champions League – and I wonder if it will work for him this weekend.

DM Casemiro

Both Casemiro and Eduardo Camavinga could be suspended for a match with another yellow card, so there is a risk in starting Case before the following weekend’s match against Atletico Madrid, who have worked themselves back up to second in La Liga. Los Rojiblancos will, one again, be Los Blancos’ stiffest title challengers. But unless if Real go with a double-pivot of Kroos and Luka Modric, who needs rest badly, or stick Fede Valverde in there, they would have to risk suspension to Camavinga, too. I am not sure Carlo Ancelotti would throw Antonio Blanco into a big match. So Casemiro it is.

CM Fede Valverde

Finally a new face. Fede Valverde has missed time with another injury, so he hasn’t been as big of a part of the Real Madrid lineup as Madridistas would like. But Fede, who came off the bench for Lukita on Wednesday night, will get another opportunity at the Anoeta. Valverde’s running, defensive work, and ability to spread the play wide as a midfielder will be vital on Matchday 16. Don’t be surprised if he breaks out of his shell this season with a big performance. And Modric will be there off the bench if Los Blancos need a little bit of attacking creativity and veteran know-how in the final 15 minutes.