Real Madrid are set to face Atlético Madrid in Xabi Alonso's first big test of the season. It is going to be an incredibly difficult game for Los Blancos, irrespective of where their city rivals are in the league table and how well they are performing.
Atlético always seem to turn up against Real Madrid, and you should not expect anything less on Saturday afternoon.
The game will be good, and the pressure is on Alonso to pick the best lineup available from the squad he has.
Here is our prediction for the lineup.
Real Madrid's predicted XI to face Atlético
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois always plays well against Atlético Madrid, and honestly, there is no love between the two parties anymore. It is clear Atlético fans hate Courtois, and probably vice versa, so it brings out the best in the Belgian wall every single time. There was no debate anyway. Courtois starts.
Right-back: Dani Carvajal
Carvajal is the captain of this Real Madrid side, and he is also the only natural right-back available in the team. With Trent's injury, he is the only option to start on that right side. He has been great whenever he has played this season, so there is no reason to worry.
Centre-back: Éder Militão
Éder Militão will take his role as a central defender after being rested mid week. He deserved some rest after playing a lot in the last few weeks, and his return will bring back some defensive solidity to the team.
Centre-back: Dean Huijsen
Huijsen is going to be Real Madrid's starting centre-back unless he is injured, suspended or rested. There will be no other way for him to be on the bench, and in the most important game of the season so far, he will start for Los Blancos.
Left-back: Álvaro Carreras
Carreras has played all but eight minutes this season, and he has become a staple in this Real Madrid side. Expect that to continue against Atlético, where he will for sure be a crucial player.
Defensive midfielder: Aurélien Tchouaméni
Tchouaméni was rested against Levante during the mid-week clash, but that will not happen against Atlético. He is a crucial member of the team, and he will play for sure.
Central midfielder: Fede Valverde
Valverde is a nailed-on starter for Real Madrid, and has been so since 2022. He will keep his place in the starting XI, and Real Madrid fans will hope for a huge performance against Atlético. He always seems to turn up against them, and hopefully, this is not going to be any different.
Central midfielder: Arda Güler
It is going to be a tough pick, but Güler has played most of the minutes in the league so far, so I expect that to continue against Atlético. He might struggle with the physicality of Atlético players, but his creative side will be crucial.
Right-winger: Franco Mastantuono
Mastantuono has been playing better and better as of late, and he will start for Real Madrid in their biggest game of the season so far. It only makes sense after scoring his first goal for Los Blancos during the week, and now, the reward will be to start against the club's city rivals.
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé has scored in most games so far this season, and he will be one of the most important players on the pitch as he tries to score his ninth of the season. Scoring against Atlético will not be easy, but if there is one player who can do it, it is the Frenchman.
Left-winger: Vinícius Jr
Vinícius Jr was a joy to watch against Levante during mid-week, and he will keep his place in the most important game of the season so far.