Title defenders Real Madrid began the season by winning their first two games in La Liga. Los Blancos’ second league game of the season finished with a convincing 4-1 win over Celta Vigo, and now they prepare to head to RCDE stadium to face Espanyol on matchday 3.
Interestingly, Real Madrid have failed to win in their past two away games against the Barcelona-based club. Espanyol will be trying to extend that run to three.
On the other hand, the visitors will do everything possible to capture their third consecutive La Liga victory of the season in order to stay ahead of their rivals, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, both of whom have already dropped points.
With that said, let us take a look at the predicted line up Carlo Ancelotti could choose against Espanyol.
Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI vs Espanyol
GK – Thibaut Courtois
Beginning the predictions with an easy bet. Courtois is the finest goalkeeper in the world right now, and it is almost certain that he will start every game for Real Madrid until an injury arises or rotational tactics are used against bottom of the table clubs or in cup games.
Last game, Courtois played well and was seldom tested, save for a penalty he missed by a hair’s breadth. In any case, he is Real Madrid’s indisputable starter. Andriy Lunin has stayed back because he perhaps expects more minutes this season which he will most likely receive against lower-level opponents in the Copa Del Rey. Patience is essential when it comes to Real Madrid. Courtois will continue on with his responsibilities for the time being.
RB – Dani Carvajal
Surprisingly, Dani Carvajal is very much a regular starter and is rarely sidelined by a serious injury lately. When healthy, he always starts because of his indisputable quality that assures him of a starting berth right away. Very seldom does the Spaniard give a subpar performance. As usual, Lucas Vazquez will serve as his backup.
CB – Eder Militao
Eder Militao is expected to start this game, but whether he will continue to do so in the future is unknown and entirely dependent on him. The Brazilian has made a number of costly errors recently, the most recent being the penalty he handed away last game. With Antonio Rudiger poised to challenge him for the starting spot, Militao’s guaranteed starts may be limited if he does not step up soon.
CB – David Alaba
The Austrian international is an obvious decision, and there is nothing that can be done to replace him in the starting line up at the moment. His recent performances have been absolutely outstanding, particularly in the game against Celta Vigo when he got an assist to his name. Alaba is a key presence on the field and an easy starter without hesitation.
LB – Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy, the team’s left-back, is arguably one of the purest defensive fullbacks we see in modern football. He may have flaws in the offensive department, but Vinicius’ presence covers them. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind about the Frenchman’s starting position because of his recent unwavering performance levels. Not that they have any replacement for him at the moment anyway.