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 begin their quest for their 15th European crown as they start the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season against Union Berlin in Group C tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid have made a solid start to the season, winning five in five in La Liga, although they have not always been convincing victories.
But Los Blancos have found a way to collect maximum points from difficult situations and will be eager to carry forward that form and momentum into Europe’s premier club competition.
Leading up to the game, Real Madrid have greeted both good and bad news on the injury front. Ferland Mendy is back in the squad for the match, which comes in as a big positive, while both Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr are closing in on a return.
However, onto bad news, in-form right-back Dani Carvajal picked up an injury and has been ruled out of the contest, and could potentially miss the derby against Atletico Madrid later this week.
With less than 12 hours left before kickoff, here’s how Real Madrid could line up against the German opposition, who are debuting in the UEFA Champions League.
Starters
With no Thibaut Courtois in the mix, on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appears to be the preferred choice in goal ahead of Andriy Lunin. As such, the Spaniard should keep his place between the sticks tonight for Real Madrid against Union Berlin.
Dani Carvajal’s absence will see Lucas Vazquez start at right-back, as was confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti during his press conference. Meanwhile, Fran Garcia should make his UCL debut, slotting in at left-back despite the availability of Ferland Mendy.
At the heart of the defence, it is unlikely that Ancelotti will change the pairing of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba, with captain Nacho Fernandez once again featuring off the bench.
As has been the case throughout this season, it is the midfield department that Ancelotti will have some major decisions to make.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been in fine form as the defensive midfielder this campaign, but the Frenchman could be rested tonight, with his compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga. starting as the lone pivot.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde, who was on target against Real Sociedad over the weekend, should continue as one of the interiors, even though he recently revealed that he has been playing with an injured arm.
Luka Modric should make his second start of the season for Los Blancos, replacing fellow veteran Toni Kroos in the starting XI. Jude Bellingham will occupy the tip of the midfield diamond for Los Blancos.
As has been the case during Vinicius Jr’s absence, Rodrygo Goes and in-form forward Joselu will form the strike partnership up top.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alabal, Garcia, Camavinga, Valverde, Modric, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Joselu.
Substitutes
Toni Kroos is certain to come on at some point in the second period to help Real Madrid provide control in the game. Fellow veteran Nacho Fernandez is also likely to be called upon to relieve one of the defenders.
Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy could make their first appearances of the season after their injury layoffs, while Brahim Diaz is also expected to get some minutes.
