Real Madrid return after a three-week international break to face Villarreal on Saturday, with the hopes of getting back to winning ways after a tough loss to Atletico Madrid before the break. There are three really valuable points on offer, and Real Madrid must do what they can to make sure they get them on the night.
Jose Mourinho has had three weeks to see his Real Madrid side play. His players have either trained at Valdebebas or played for their respective national teams across the world. He will now have to pick a lineup that best suits their chances against a very energetic Villarreal side.
Here is the predicted lineup for the game against the Yellow Submarine:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Courtois is going to start for Real Madrid. There is no doubt about it. Andriy Lunin might not even be in Jose Mourinho's plans, so it makes complete sense that Courtois starts this game and every other for the foreseeable future.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Despite Denzel Dumfries' solid performances for the Netherlands over the international break, Trent has just been the better right-back for the team on both ends of the pitch. Starting him against a very difficult Villarreal side is going to be very important because his long-range passing can help unlock Villarreal's defence and catch them off guard.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger is the only centre-back who is guaranteed to play against Villarreal on Saturday. Dean Huijsen is suspended, Ibrahima Konate is just coming back from injury, and Eder Militao and Raul Asencio are still recovering from their long-term injuries, which leaves Rudiger as the only available surefire option.
Centre-back: Aurelien Tchouameni
Ibrahima Konate might be available for the game against Villarreal, but Mourinho probably would not want to take chances with Konate, especially given his injury record in the last few years. Tchouameni has not played a single professional minute since the loss to Atletico Madrid and will be itching to get back into the team to be able to face Villarreal on Saturday. He may not start in his preferred position, but it will be a start nonetheless.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella was solid for Spain in the international break. He has been really good for them, and the hope is that, at some point, he starts churning in these performances for his club as well. Hopefully, that starts on Saturday.
Defensive midfielder: Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga had a very successful international break, and he may even get the opportunity to start in the midfield for Real Madrid on Saturday. We must take it with both hands if we want to make himself important to Mourinho.
Defensive midfielder: Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva is a non-negotiable starter for Real Madrid in this game. He needs to be there so that they are able to evade the press easily. He provides a lot of balance to the team, which will be really important. Fede Valverde might be back for the game, but Mourinho might not want to risk him for this game because of so many difficult fixtures coming up afterwards.
Right winger: Yan Diomande
Diomande will once again get the chance to play for Real Madrid. He has not been able to show his true talent for the team so far. Hopefully, against Villarreal, that changes. He had a really successful international break with Ivory Coast, and he would hope to bring that form into the Bernabeu.
Attacking midfielder: Jude Bellingham
The most obvious name on the team sheet. Jude Bellingham is Real Madrid's best player, and he was instrumental for England during their international break. He will start.
Left winger: VinÃcius Junior
VinÃcius Junior will start for Real Madrid, despite the fact that he has not been great this season. Hopefully, he is able to change his fortunes on Saturday, with so much riding on him and his form.
Striker: Endrick
Carlos Espi has played more minutes for Real Madrid, but it will be Endrick who starts in Kylian Mbappe's place. Like with Valverde and Konate, Mourinho likely wouldn't risk Mbappe in such an important fixture, and because of that, Endrick will get the start. If he doesn't play well, Espi might come on and try to score a goal or two.
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