Real Madrid News
Rudiger, Rodrygo start: 4-3-3 predicted Real Madrid lineup against Elche
After a convincing 3-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona on the weekend, Real Madrid turn their attention towards Elche tomorrow. Los Blancos are flying high right now, and will want to build on their form after going three points clear in the La Liga table.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were not lacking morale in any way, shape, or form, but will be especially motivated following France Football’s Ballon d’Or ceremony yesterday. Karim Benzema picked up the prestigious golden ball, while Thibaut Courtois was given the Yashin Trophy for the Best Goalkeeper in Europe.
Meanwhile, Elche are already drowning in La Liga. Ranked rock-bottom, Jorge Almiron and co. are the only team in Spain yet to win a game. Out of nine so far, they have registered three draws and six defeats while conceding 21 goals – four more than the next worst.
This game is a perfect opportunity for Ancelotti to rotate his team, keeping the key players fresh for the game against Sevilla on the weekend. Here is how we, at Madrid Universal, think Real Madrid will lineup tomorrow.
Starters
Thibaut Courtois missed the game against Barcelona, among others, due to a nerve injury. He has been replaced by Andriy Lunin, who has been largely impressive in every aspect of the game. The Ukrainian will continue in goal vs Elche, as well.
He will have the aid of a back-four, featuring at the very least, one change. We expect Antonio Rudiger to replace David Alaba in the heart of the backline. Eder Militao has been used carefully to avoid injuries, but the Brazilian will continue in his starting spot alongside the German.
Lucas Vazquez is in contention to start as the right-back, but following a largely solid display from Dani Carvajal on the weekend, we predict no changes there. The same goes for the left side, where Ferland Mendy will continue to start.
Toni Kroos was arguably the best player on the pitch for Madrid during El Clasico, setting up the first goal beautifully. It is hard to debate against his inclusion in the XI, but Eduardo Camavinga should replace Luka Modric on the other side of the centre.
Aurelien Tchouameni will continue to anchor the midfield from the base after a set of really impressive performances. The Frenchman has settled in seamlessly under Ancelotti and will hope to build on his solid start.
Following suit so far, there might be one change in the attacking line as well. Kroos claimed Valverde was a top-three player in the world following his display against Barça, but the Uruguayan needs to be preserved ahead of a hectic season.
Not to mention, Rodrygo more than deserves a shot in the starting lineup. He has looked comfortable in every position so far this season and could replace Valverde on the right wing tomorrow night.
Karim Benzema will be eager to cap off his amazing week so far with a goal or two starting as the striker. The lineup should be rounded off by none other than Vinicius Jr on the left side of the forward line.
Vinicius · Benzema · Rodrygo
Kroos · Tchouameni · Camavinga
Mendy · Rudiger · Militao · Carvajal
Lunin
Substitutes
Should he start from the bench tomorrow, there is no looking past Valverde as one of the definite substitutes. He can execute multiple roles to perfection and could be called in as either a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or winger.
Not to forget Modric or Vazquez, both of whom have been largely faultless this season. The latter, especially, would appreciate a run-in, hoping to win the right-back spot from Carvajal.
In attack, Marco Asensio makes for a strong case to replace one of Vinicius or Rodrygo. And if Madrid look comfortable enough, you could also make a case for Eden Hazard, who has largely been poor at every opportunity.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
Richmond
October 19, 2022 at 4:51 am
Nacho should replace mendy