Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Getafe for LaLiga’s Matchday 31
LW Vinicius Jr.
It would be nice for Vinicius Jr. to get some rest, and I would not actually rule that out. Eden Hazard is out for the season after undergoing surgery, but Rodrygo Goes could be a strong option on the right-hand side with either Gareth Bale or Marco Asensio starting on the opposite side (Bale would be the preference).
But realistically, Vinicius has reached a status and a level of importance to the attack under Carlo Ancelotti that he is going to start every possible match. Ancelotti has shown no interest in rotating out a man with 20 goal contributions in LaLiga. While Vini was not dominant in the first leg at Chelsea, the young left winger did have a nifty assist for Karim Benzema’s opener.
CF Karim Benzema
And speaking of Karim Benzema the legendary Real Madrid No. 9 added to his legacy with a special hat-trick at Stamford Bridge to leap Los Blancos ahead 3-1 in the tie. Benzema’s first two goals were the type of headers that are a striker’s dream, showcasing a level of technical quality and execution that so few players attain.
Benzema is so important to Real Madrid that I cannot imagine him not starting against Getafe. He means everything to the Merengues, as we have seen with his back-to-back hat-tricks in the Champions League. In matches Real would have absolutely lost without him.
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RW Rodrygo Goes
Rodrygo Goes has some consistency issues, but as we saw when he was brought in for Marco Asensio last weekend at Balaidos, he is the superior option to the No. 11 on the right flank. The young Brazilian works incredibly hard on both ends of the pitch and can create danger with his dribbling and passing. Rodrygo’s goal threat on the right-hand side is minimal, which is a problem, but as long as he can keep running at the Getafe defense and keep making good decisions, he will prove to be an asset.
That said, based on the way Getafe play, they will be a tough opponent for him if he does not assert himself on the game. I point this out, as it has been a weakness of his in terms of how he approaches certain matches in LaLiga.