Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Espanyol for LaLiga’s Matchday 34

LW Rodrygo Goes

I could see Rodrygo Goes getting rest as well, but it makes more sense for Real Madrid to play things safe with Vinicius Jr. and let Rodrygo get some minutes on the left. It is his preferred position, and he played there in Madrid’s last LaLiga fixture, standing out as the best player on the pitch in Pamplona. It was the third of three consecutive top-class performances from the Brazilian winger, who could use another confidence-boosting performance this weekend against Espanyol after he found City challenging.

Rodrygo has the potential to become one of the best forwards in Europe, and we have seen some truly spectacular displays from him in the Champions League. Hopefully, he can add another positive effort to his season tally vs. Espanyol, which would go a long way in enabling the young man to show consistency.

CF Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale has been seemingly preferred to both Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz in the backup striker role to Karim Benzema, based on Carlo Ancelotti’s substitution patterns over the past couple of months. Though Bale is not a striker, it makes sense for Carletto to trust such an iconic player with his track record, in addition to their experiences together. Meanwhile, Jovic and Mariano are both players Los Blancos want to offload.

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RW Marco Asensio

Starting Marco Asensio is not everyone’s favorite decision, but Carletto will likely go in this direction. He has wisely realized that Asensio is not a starting-caliber player, as he leaves a lot to be desired with his lack of intensity in big matches – both offensively and defensively. But Asensio is good against mid-to-lower LaLiga sides, coming up with important late goals from out of nowhere.

Asensio cannot be cast aside. A quality super-sub, the Andalusian will likely get a chance to add another goal to his tally on Saturday afternoon at the Bernabeu.