Real Madrid vs. Valencia Predicted Starting XI for Matchday 20 of LaLiga
After defeating Alcoyano 3-1 following two late deflected goals from Isco and Marco Asensio, Real Madrid will look for a more complete 90 minutes on Saturday night at the Santiago Bernabeu against one of LaLiga’s toughest sides, Valencia.
The team’s start to 2022 has not been ideal, as prior to the tough battle with Alcoyano, Los Merengues dropped all three points to Getafe in what can be described as their worst performance of the 2021-2022 season thus far.
Real Madrid will look to wash out the taste of that defeat from last weekend with a win in LaLiga against a side they defeated earlier this season in tougher circumstances. Winning at the Mestalla is never easy, but that’s what Real did in September after a pair of goals and assists from Player of the Season candidates Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
Let’s take a look at Real’s predicted starting XI on Saturday for LaLiga’s Matchday 20 against a Valencia side that is fighting hard to remain in the top half of the table.
GK Thibaut Courtois
The best goalkeeper on the planet got some rest against Alcoyano, with Andriy Lunin impressing in his place. Thibaut Courtois has come up big against Valencia in the past, and he will likely have to do so again this weekend. Even on the road, the Bats know how to make life difficult for a Madrid defense.
LB Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy is an easy start at left back. Miguel Gutierrez seems to be over some serious stomach issues, which have prevented him from getting in the lineup over the past few months. However, Mendy remains the first choice at left back, even though fans are getting worried about his lack of attacking contributions. He should have an easy day vs. Valencia.
CB David Alaba
The leader at the back, David Alaba will look to rule the pitch and prevent Valencia from getting goals on the counter. Alaba’s ability to read the game defensively will be vital for Real Madrid in picking up the full three points this weekend, because the Bats were very dangerous in transition during the first fixture of the season.
CB Eder Militao
Eder Militao scored against Alcoyano once more – this time in a victory. His finishing touch in the box has evaded him this season, but perhaps that hustled header will help Militao become more dangerous on set pieces. One of the breakout stars of the season, Militao has established himself as one of the best central defenders in Europe. He is also an asset to the attack, which we may see this weekend.
RB Lucas Vazquez
Dani Carvajal may not be all the way back from his injury yet, so we can tentatively expect another start at right back from Lucas Vazquez, who rested in the Copa at mid-week for Nacho Fernandez. Vazquez could use the rest, as he has been up-and-down in 2021-2022 at the position after being lights-out in the second half of 2020-2021.