Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Alaves for LaLiga’s Matchday 25
LW Eden Hazard
No Vinicius Jr.? Yes, this is a risk for the match at hand, but it is also a risk to start Vinicius Jr. in every match. The Brazilian left winger has been taking a beating lately. He was fouled often by a vicious Villarreal last weekend at the Estadio de la Ceramica, and he was a non-factor against Achraf Hakimi and PSG – not having help from Karim Benzema, who was operating at less than even 50 percent, impacted Vinicius as well.
Eden Hazard is another player who does not get many chances from Carlo Ancelotti, much to the frustrations of fans. While Hazard is not as important to Real’s future as Fede and has not been as impressive as the Uruguayan in recent seasons, we know how classy he can be. And he has shown good signs lately, including in an important performance off the bench against Granada. Last season, he had a big game against Alaves, so it is valid for history to repeat itself.
ST Luka Jovic
Like Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic is another forward whom Carlo Ancelotti has wrongfully snubbed in recent weeks. The Serbian international may not be one for Real’s future, but with Karim Benzema suffering through an injury, he will be the best option this weekend. As we saw against PSG, Benzema is in no condition to play, even if he insists he can help the team. Real Madrid could very well lose if a hobbled Benzema starts. Worse than that, they cannot afford any aggravations to the No. 9’s health, because that could spell the end of their title hopes.
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RW Gareth Bale
Either Fede Valverde or Gareth Bale should have started for Real Madrid against PSG on the right wing, with Valverde and Bale likely being the ideal balance on the right side of the formation with Dani Carvajal at right back.
Bale looked good against Villarreal despite getting little service, and that was just his first game back in the lineup. The Welshman actually has Ancelotti’s trust, and the fanbase is rooting for him again after some tough times, specifically in 2019-20. If he can get in form, he could be a difference-maker by the time Real Madrid face PSG again.