Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Getafe for LaLiga’s Matchday 31
Real Madrid are coming off an incredible Champions League quarterfinal triumph over Chelsea on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge, as Karim Benzema joined his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the only two players in history to score back-to-back hat-tricks in the UCL knockouts.
This weekend, Real Madrid will have another tough game on their hands, albeit against a very different kind and caliber of opponent. Los Blancos will face local rivals Getafe in LaLiga on Matchday 31, having lost to the Djene-led side at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez 1-0 earlier this year in one of their worst matches of the season.
Let’s take a look at how Real could line up vs. Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday night.
GK Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois was the hero last weekend at Balaidos, and he had another fantastic game against his former employers, Chelsea, amidst a chorus of boos in the Champions League. He seems to have a highlight-reel save in every match, so even though Getafe are not a fearsome attacking side, Courtois should be decisive again. Enes Unal is having a fantastic season, after all.
LB Ferland Mendy
Another easy pick, Ferland Mendy starts every match he is healthy. Real Madrid do not have an alternate at left back, especially now that Miguel Gutierrez is done for the season.
CB David Alaba
One of Real’s standout players this season, David Alaba goes underrated because he spends most of his time reading the game and putting out fires defensively. Astute Madridistas, however, understand his value to the team. The No. 4 has been a free agent signing of legendary proportions for Los Blancos.
CB Nacho Fernandez
Eder Militao will be suspended for the second leg against Chelsea, but he may have been injured in the match. For now, let’s tentatively expect the veteran Nacho to start alongside Alaba.
RB Lucas Vazquez
Real Madrid must face Chelsea on Apr. 12, so there is a very quick turn-around between this LaLiga fixture against Getafe and their next Champions League battle. Therefore, resting the oft-injured Dani Carvajal is of utmost importance. Sure, he has been suspect this season – including on Chelsea’s lone goal in the first leg – but he remains the best option at right back.