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Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Osasuna for LaLiga’s Matchday 33

By Kevin Parvizi

Real Madrid, Rodrygo Goes (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid, Rodrygo Goes (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid, Fede Valverde
Real Madrid, Fede Valverde (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

CM Toni Kroos

After receiving harsh criticisms from some people, Toni Kroos turned in a second-half masterclass against Sevilla that was instrumental in Real Madrid seizing control of the match and scoring three goals. Without his composure, passing quality, intelligence, and even defensive work, Real would not have completed the memorable comeback at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday night.

Though Kroos could be rested for the week before Manchester City, I expect him to be out there against Osasuna. He was the lone bright spot the last time these two teams played, and I think Los Blancos need at least one of Kroos or Luka Modric in the starting XI this Wednesday.

DM Eduardo Camavinga

Casemiro will be out with an injury against Osasuna, and the hope is that he can get enough rest to recover before next Tuesday’s match at the Etihad against Manchester City. We all know how vital Casemiro will be in that massive Champions League game against Pep Guardiola’s side, which has been Europe’s most dominant in 2021/22.

Eduardo Camavinga should start again in his place. Though that is no guarantee after his issues with bookings against Sevilla, Camavinga looks like the best option and was playing well aside from that first yellow card for an unnecessary challenge.

CM Fede Valverde

I was of two minds here. Not only is it always tough to leave out a player as important as Luka Modric, but it was also possible for Fede Valverde to play on the right side of the attack – with or without Modric in the starting XI.

In the end, I think Valverde will get another start in midfield with a big chance to further his value to the club. Valverde has been vital in recent weeks, especially in the Champions League. He does so much of the stuff that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, whether he gets the plaudits for it like against Chelsea or that work goes under the radar, as it may have at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Valverde can be trusted, though, that’s for sure. Carlo Ancelotti has to know what he has in the young man now.

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