MU Shorts
Modric returns; Asensio starts in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid could line up against Getafe
Real Madrid will look to reclaim the top spot in the La Liga standings when they face off against Getafe later tonight at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Los Blancos dropped their first points of the season in the league last weekend when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Osasuna at home. It allowed Barcelona to move into the pole position in the table, owing to a better goal difference.
While Real Madrid bounced back to winning ways against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League in midweek, they showed signs of vulnerabilities in defence, something they will need to iron out in the upcoming matches.
Against Getafe, manager Carlo Ancelotti could make a few changes to the side that took the field in midweek. Indeed, the manager has already rested Karim Benzema by leaving him out of the squad while Dani Ceballos and Thibaut Courtois remain injured.
With three points being a must ahead of El Clasico next week, here is now Ancelotti might set his team out against Getafe.
Starters
With Courtois unavailable, Andriy Lunin becomes the obvious choice in goal for Real Madrid against Getafe.
As for the centre-back pairing, David Alaba could be given a breather by Ancelotti, like he did with Eder Militao against Osasuna last week. The Brazilian returned to the starting XI in midweek and should keep his place, with Antonio Rudiger partnering up with him.
Lucas Vazquez has recovered from the injury he suffered against RCD Mallorca prior to the international break. With important games coming up, Dani Carvajal could also be rested, with Vazquez starting at right-back. Ferland Mendy should continue at left-back.
Aurelien Tchouameni has become a mainstay in the centre of the park for Real Madrid in a very short time and the Frenchman ought to continue occupying the No. 6 position against Getafe tonight.
Toni Kroos started in the last two matches for Los Blancos and should be in line for a break. Instead, fellow veteran Luka Modric, back from injury, should start against Getafe. Federico Valverde is in fine form and should be retained in the Madrid midfield.
Benzema’s absence means that Rodrygo is certain to occupy the centre-forward slot for the La Liga champions. At the same time, Vinicius Jr is a guaranteed starter on the left flank.
The right-wing slot is up for grabs, with Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard possible contenders. And Asensio could get the nod, considering Hazard has not been involved in any of the past four matches for Real Madrid.
Substitutes
Eduardo Camavinga is certain to get some minutes off the bench, as has been the norm, more often than not, under Ancelotti. If Hazard does not start, the Belgian wing-wizard could also feature at some stage late in the game.
Mariano Diaz featured for four minutes in the last league game and could be brought on late in the game to rest either Vinicius or Rodrygo.
Real Madrid will be eager to move to the top of the La Liga standings as they get set to take on Real Betis in a Matchday 4 fixture in La Liga tonight.
Under new manager Jose Mourinho, the Merengues have made a strong start to the season, winning three in three, with their latest match ending in a 4-0 triumph against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The fact that superstars like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr. have made strong starts to the season, while new signings Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate have also made positive impact bodes well for Los Blancos.
The aim will be to secure their fourth victory in a row and continue building the momentum especially with the UEFA Champions League opener against Inter Milan coming up next.
Going into the game, though, Real Madrid will once again be without as many as seven players as Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Rodrygo Goes, Thiago Pitarch, and Raul Asencio remain unavailable.
New teenage signing Sergio Martinez has been named in the squad and could be in line for his debut at Estadio de La Cartuja tonight.
Having made some rotations to the starting XI last time out against Malaga, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team up tonight.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is a confirmed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will be looking for his second clean sheet of the new campaign.
As for the defensive line, there is likely to be only one change with Ibrahima Konate coming back into the team in place of Antonio Rudiger, who made his first start of the season vs Malaga.
Dean Huijsen has been a constant fixture at the heart of the defence so far and that is unlikely to change.
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold appears set to retain his place after an impressive display in his first start of the season last weekend. It means, new signing Denzel Dumfries will remain on the bench. Marc Cucurella, meanwhile, should start again on the left side.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva was one of the players that Mourinho rotated against Malaga, and is expected to return to the lineup tonight against Real Betis.
The Portuguese international has done fairly well in his new role as part of the double pivot alongside Federico Valverde, who will retain his place in the team.
It would mean Eduardo Camavinga misses out after having a decent game on his first start of the season last weekend.
Jude Bellingham has been in spectacular form since the start of the season, already racking up two goals and two assists from three games. Back in his preferred role as an attacking midfielder, he will start there again tonight.
Attack
Moving into the attacking unit, Mourinho is expected to make one key change as Arda Guler should replace Brahim Diaz on the right flank after scoring Real Madrid’s fourth goal against Malaga coming on as a substitute.
What it also means is that blockbuster summer signing Yan Diomande will have to wait for his first start for Real Madrid.
Kylian Mbappe has already scored four goals in three games, making a blistering start to the season and will be aiming to build on that as he chases a hat-trick of Pichichi Trophies.
Rounding off the attacking trident will be superstar Vinicius Jr., who will also be hoping to get among the goals.
