Real Madrid are set to host Villarreal over the weekend for one of the toughest La Liga challenges of this season. Los Blancos have already lost the Madrid derby to a humiliating scoresheet and they would want to regain confidence in the league by registering a thumping win against the Yellow Submarines.
The last defeat that Madrid had to concede at the hands of Villarreal came in April 2023 so the track record since then has been solid. Nonetheless, Villarreal have never allowed Madrid to win without a tough fight and Sunday night is not expected to be any different.
Marcelino’s side is largely fit, but Real Madrid is not. So Xabi Alonso will have to make some nitty-gritty changes here and there to field his best lineup at the Bernabéu.
Predicted Real Madrid XI vs Villarreal
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Yet again, there is no doubt over Courtois. Easiest pick out there.
Center-back: Dean Huijsen
Huijsen has registered his name as the most solid CB in Real Madrid’s lineup. His signing is bearing fruit except for a few shortfalls here and there that are expected to fade with time. He is expected to be either in the middle or on either side. He is composed with both feet so he can easily play anywhere in the defense.
Center-back: Aurélien Tchouaméni
Aurélien Tchouaméni is likely to be called back a few yards again to give his services in defense. Real Madrid are short of both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal so to fill some boots and a few roles, the Frenchman’s services will be expected in a not so unusual position.
Center-back: Éder Militão
Even though Militão started the Atlético Madrid game that did not go too well for him, Raúl Asencio ended up being even worse. He picked up a yellow and should not be a good idea to start this game. Militão can form a solid understanding trio with Huijsen and Tchouaméni against the Villarreal attack that is fierce but not expected to punish as much as Atletico Madrid did.
Left Wing Back: Álvaro Carreras
The left is pretty secure. There are very slim chances that Fran Garcia will be given a spot in the starting XI, but he can definitely make an appearance later if a comfortable lead is achieved. Carreras’s creativity off the wing will be crucial in breaking through Villarreal’s compact 4-4-2.
Central Midfielder: Arda Güler
No need to bench this name. He is too good not to touch the grass, and it would be a shame if he goes another season without the requisite opportunities. He is clearly rated highly by Xabi and rightfully so.
Defensive/Holding Midfielder: Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga scored a great goal against Kairat Almaty freshly off an injury recovery and it is time he gets more minutes to regain confidence. He is the perfect player in this 3-5-2 formation to break the Villarreal charge and emerge with the ball from a compact situation.
Central Midfielder: Jude Bellingham
Do not buy any of the Jude Bellingham slander. He is, to this date, the best midfielder in this team, and that's a hill to die on. He needs to start this game, and you can safely anticipate a goal or an assist from him.
Right Wing Back: Fede Valverde
Valverde was engulfed in an absurd, almost nonsensical controversy about his apparent refusal to play right back. His public statement denied any of that. In the absence of the Trent-Carvajal pair, Valverde is going to start in their place. He will not exactly be defending a lot and will be more involved in the build up as usual. There is comfort with a slight bit of more duty. Valverde can take this.
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé is in the best form he has ever been in at Real Madrid. This is a no-brainer. He must start and finish this game.
Striker: Gonzalo García
This is a gamble we are willing to take. If 3-5-2 is indeed given, two strikers up front would be great. Instead of Vinícius Jr, who has been sluggish recently, the pair of García and Mbappé would do better. There are ample chances that this prediction will fall flat and Vinicius Jr will start, but Gonzalo García should start.