MU Shorts
Asensio, Tchouameni start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid could line up against Cadiz
Real Madrid will look to build on their 2-0 win over Chelsea in midweek and come away with three points when they take on Cadiz at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla in La Liga.
Having lost their last league game against Villarreal, Carlo Ancelotti & co. have fallen 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona and are pretty much out of the reckoning as far as the title is considered.
But, with the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League still up for grabs, it is important for the Merengues to keep a winning momentum going.
Following their midweek excursion against Chelsea and keeping in mind the trip to Stamford Bridge next week, Ancelotti is likely to make a lot of rotations against Cadiz tonight.
Starters
Thibaut Courtois’ presence in the lineup is a certainty for Real Madrid. The Belgian international has once again proven himself to be a clutch player for the Merengues and will look for a clean sheet against Cadiz.
There could be several changes in defence tonight as the likes of Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are set to be rested. It should pave the way for Lucas Vazquez to start at right-back while Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao could pair up at the centre.
With Ferland Mendy still out injured and Camavinga in for a rest, Nacho Fernandez becomes a certainty to feature at left-back.
Major changes are also expected in midfield as Toni Kroos misses out with a niggle while Luka Modric is also likely to be rested keeping in mind the next game against Chelsea.
This should pave the way for Aurelien Tchouameni to start as the pivot midfielder while he will likely be supported by Dani Ceballos and Federico Valverde in the centre of the park.
With Vinicius Jr out due to an adductor strain, his compatriot Rodrygo Goes should move to the left flank for Real Madrid against Cadiz. Meanwhile, Marco Asensio, who scored a goal coming off the bench against Chelsea, should get the nod on the right flank.
Captain and ace goalscorer Karim Benzema will spearhead the attack for Real Madrid at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla tonight.
Rodrygo · Benzema · Asensio
Ceballos · Tchouameni · Valverde
Nacho · Rudiger · Militao · Vazquez
Courtois
Substitutes
Given the lack of options in attack on the bench, one might see Eden Hazard getting a rare opportunity to make an impression in the second half. Carlo Ancelotti might throw on fringe players like Jesus Vallejo and Alvaro Odriozola at some point in the latter stages of the game, especially if things are under his team’s control.
In case Real Madrid are finding it difficult to get over the line, we might see the likes of Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga enter the fray as well.
A fresh report from Goal has given a comprehensive update on Real Madrid’s roadmap in the summer transfer window and how they plan to build their squad ahead of the new season.
The club are clear about the continuity of Carlo Ancelotti, but the Italian could have an uphill task organising a team that will witness many defections at the end of the season.
Uncertainty over Lunin, Mendy and Nacho
In the defensive unit, Real Madrid are not entirely sure about the continuity of Andriy Lunin, which has posed questions as to who will serve as the alternative for Thibaut Courtois next season.
Should the Ukrainian international depart, Real Madrid could pursue David Raya as a potential replacement. The club are facing a similar dilemma in the left-back unit, with Ferland Mendy facing an uncertain future at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are open to sanctioning the sale of Mendy and appeared to have put faith in the returning Fran Garcia. The club have also decided not to utilise the services of Vinicius Tobias and will rely on youngsters like Alex Jimenez and David Jimenez to explode next season.
Elsewhere in defence, both Nacho and Lucas Vazquez have a decision to make, as far as their future is concerned. If Nacho leaves, Real Madrid are unlikely to go after a centre-back and will expect Rafa Marin to compete with Jesus Vallejo for the fourth centre-back position, with Ancelotti likely to maintain trust in David Alaba, Eder Militao and David Alaba.
Bellingham to beef up midfield, Diaz could replace Asensio
Real Madrid are hoping to have one of the best midfield units in Europe following the expected arrival of Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund starlet will join forces with Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, along with youngsters such as Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni next season, offering Ancelotti an array of top-quality options in the middle of the park.
Dani Ceballos, though, is facing an uncertain future at the club. He appears to be very close to leaving the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid have made a last-gasp effort to keep him at the club.
Marco Asensio, meanwhile, looks set to leave the club in the summer, with the Spaniard reportedly closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. His likely departure has altered Real Madrid’s plans with Brahim Diaz.
Although the former Man City starlet was in talks with AC Milan over a permanent move, there is a possibility he could remain at Bernabeu and serve as the direct replacement for Asensio.
Harry Kane an option in attack
Karim Benzema considering a last-minute move to Saudi Arabia has given a massive headache to Real Madrid’s bosses, as it can not only force them to enter the market for a new forward but also scupper their plans to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024.
Harry Kane appears to be the front-runner to replace Benzema if he leaves the club. Ancelotti is a fan of the Englishman, who might want to leave Spurs after yet another disappointing campaign.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid are expected to bring in Joselu Mato as a replacement for Mariano Diaz. The Espanyol striker will serve as the alternative to the main centre-forward at the Bernabeu next season.
