After defeating Elche for the second time this season, Real Madrid will face the LaLiga underdogs in league play this Sunday afternoon at the Santiago Bernabeu. Both of their previous wins over Elche were hard-fought victories on the road, with the latest coming on Thursday in the Copa del Rey after two late goals from Isco and Eden Hazard.
Los Blancos are fully expected to obtain all three points as the league leaders, but beating any team three times in a row is tough. And although Elche like to play fluid attacking football, they are not against sitting back, which has proven effective against Real this season. Just ask Cadiz, Osasuna, and, most recently, Getafe.
Let’s take a look at how Real Madrid could line up for LaLiga’s Matchday 22 fixture vs. Elche.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Andriy Lunin has been great in the cup and came up big this week against Elche, but there is no doubt that Thibaut Courtois is the guy in goal. He will start every match in LaLiga. Hopefully.
LB Ferland Mendy
Marcelo had some nice attacking moments at Elche on Thursday, but his defensive errors were a reminder that Ferland Mendy is the full-time starter for a reason. Where is Miguel Gutierez? At this point, nobody knows. Mendy is a lock to start.
CB David Alaba
One of the stars of the show in the win over Elche, David Alaba has already become a vital starter at the heart of the Real Madrid defense. He will play a key role against Elche in defending counterattacks from the likes of Fidel, Lucas Boye, and Lucas Perez. No matter the LaLiga club, Perez has often been a thorn in Real’s side. Alaba’s passing is also very important to Real, both in the build-up play and in chance creation. It was Alaba who unleashed Eden Hazard for the matchwinning goal, after all.
CB Eder Militao
Who doesn’t love Eder Militao? Madridistas will welcome the Brazilian’s return to the starting XI this Sunday afternoon at the Santiago Bernabeu. He is one of the best defenders in LaLiga, and he will very likely show that quality this weekend.
RB Lucas Vazquez
Until we get further word regarding Dani Carvajal’s status – some are not optimistic he will return – Lucas Vazquez is the only valid option at right back. There is no mincing words here. After some good performances to rebound, Vazquez struggled again in his last match. He cannot afford another sloppy display vs. Elche on Sunday.