Real Madrid vs. Granada Starting XI Prediction for LaLiga’s Matchday 23

LW Eden Hazard

Vinicius Jr. cannot play against Granada due to a suspension, as he picked up a fifth yellow card in the desperate 2-2 draw with Elche before January’s international “break” – during which, of course, the now-fatigued winger did not get any rest.

Rodrygo Goes is, in theory, an option at left wing, but after another dire display in attack, Carlo Ancelotti should circle back to Eden Hazard. Some Madridistas have turned on the manager for not playing Hazard against Bilbao, and there is a fair point embedded within the overblown attacks. Why did Marco Asensio start over Hazard when the plan was to have a false nine/

Hazard’s future lies outside Madrid, in an ideal world for both parties, but both sides must continue to make this relationship work. He must start against Granada.

ST Luka Jovic

It might be difficult to tell Karim Benzema to rest for two matches in a row, as he was itching to return for the Copa del Rey. And we all saw how awful the team was in attack without him. Carlo may even be tempted to throw Benz back into the fire, as Real Madrid could be in serious trouble with an attack bereft of their two superstars.

Luka Jovic is in a similar situation as Eden Hazard. He is a talented player who isn’t in Real’s future plans and seems to have too many matches where he makes zero impact.

Even so, I would lean towards starting Jovic. He came up big against two tougher opponents this season. I feel he has enough quality to damage against Granada.

RW Marco Asensio

Honestly, this one is up in the air. Gareth Bale should start soon, and it is bizarre that he has not even seen the pitch since returning from his injury. But I still think Carletto won’t start the Welshman until he gets his feet wet off the bench. Just as a precaution. Marco Asensio seems like the starter after stepping up to close the Copa del Rey loss, but Rodrygo Goes is another valid option to start on the right wing.