Real Madrid Predicted Lineup at Athletic Club: Will Eden Hazard start again?

CM Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos is the only regular starter in the Madrid midfield who is expected to start on Wednesday night at San Mames with Casemiro suspended. While Luka Modric has now tested negative for COVID-19, the Croatian magician may still not be allowed to play due to the differing protocols between autonomous communities. So we will see.

Regardless, Kroos is going to be in the XI after recording nearly 10 key passes against Cadiz. As with the 0-0 draw to Osasuna, Kroos was exceptional and controlled the match against Cadiz, but his brilliance was wasted by a disappointing forward line. Kroos will be just as vital to success against this stingy Athletic Club defense.

DM Eduardo Camavinga

How will Carlo Ancelotti replace Casemiro in his XI? That is the money question Madridistas will be asking going into Matchday 21 (not 19, that is the Getafe game in the new year!) While he could switch up the formation and put Kroos with someone else in a double-pivot, I think he will try Camavinga out as a No. 6 to see how he does. I fully expect the ex-Rennes man to start on Wednesday night, and he is one of the players to watch the closest. There could be positive long-term ramifications on Carletto’s team selection if the Frenchman plays well.

CM Fede Valverde

Fede Valverde played reasonably well against Cadiz, though you get the feeling that there is something missing from his game. And that thing may just be consistent minutes, yielding true chemistry with the rest of the XI. Valverde is a world-class talent and one of the best all-around center midfielders in Europe. If Modric cannot play, the challenge will be Valverde’s to step up to the plate in the attacking end and help the forwards get into real goal-scoring positions. Valverde must take on more responsibility for Modric if he starts again.