Real Madrid vs. Cadiz Predicted Lineup for Matchday 18 of LaLiga

LW Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has become the first name on the team sheet. The man is the best player in LaLiga right now, and that is not hyperbole. He assisted both of the goals in the win over Atletic Madrid and about two weeks ago, he had the winner against the other main title contender in the league, Sevilla. Vinicius is so vital to everything Real does offensively. He carries the ball, he creates chances, and he finishes off teams. Vini can score from anywhere and is as multi-faceted and exciting of an attacking player as you will find on this entire planet. Cadiz will be in for a long, long night defensively.

CF Karim Benzema

After netting the opener in El Derbi with a smashing finish, Karim Benzema left the pitch at half-time as a precaution for the young Luka Jovic, who continued his good form by helping set up the second goal of the night. Benzema should be back and close to 100 percent, and you would bet on the Frenchman scoring once more. If Vinicius and Thibaut Courtois have been two of the best players in LaLiga this season, Benzema is absolutely right there with them in the top three, even if his stock has cooled just a little bit lately.

RW Eden Hazard

Original: Marco Asensio has now scored in back-to-back matches for Real Madrid. The right winger has earned Carlo Ancelotti’s trust. Rodrygo Goes adds more defensively and is more consistent as an all-around player, but goals are at a premium in football. Asensio can provide them, and, more to the point, he can provide goals out of nothing, as we saw in the 2-0 win over Inter Milan. Although Asensio is not a slam-dunk to start – Gareth Bale could get a shot, for instance, don’t be shocked – he is the most likely option as of right now.

Update: Literally every single right winger is out due to COVID-19 (Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes, and Gareth Bale). Peter Federico is a possible option, but, for now, it looks like Eden Hazard could get back into the XI.