David Alaba will return to the Real Madrid starting lineup, while Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe will get some rest against Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday.
Real Madrid will aim to keep pace with Barcelona atop La Liga heading into the international break when they lock horns with Villarreal at Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday evening. Carlo Ancelotti has a new injury concern hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Ferland Mendy is the latest absentee after picking up a knock earlier this week against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The French international has joined Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, and Dani Ceballos on the sidelines, with the quartet missing out on the travelling squad.
A few players might be in line to get some rest after the recent excursions. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti discussed possible fatigue from his team’s recent games. The Italian tactician also provided a fitness update on Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian international recently missed a training session.
The Real Madrid manager said, “We’re still recovering. Barely any time has passed since our last game and not everyone has recovered. We’ll be better shape tomorrow. It’s something we have to consider in preparing a game against very tough opposition. We’ll have to play a smart game if we want to win it.”
“We have to put in an extra effort. We won’t have the usual freshness, because we haven’t had enough time, so we’ll have to show quality, a good attitude, and be smart about it. There’s not only one way of winning. We have to play a smart match.”
Speaking on Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid boss said, “We’ve given him an extra day because he’s still very fatigued. He’ll be available tomorrow and ready to help us. He’s not got any specific problem, it’s just tiredness. Vini is a key player for us. He might have better or worse games, but I he’s never in doubt. He’s been such a fundamental player for this club that his presence is never in doubt.”
Thibaut Courtois will take his spot between the sticks, with the away side lining up in a 4-4-2 formation in front of him against Villarreal on Saturday. The backline should feature Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, David Alaba, and Fran Garcia.
As for the midfield unit, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni will likely pair up in the central areas, while Jude Bellingham and Brahim Diaz should start on the flanks. Finally, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo should be the two strikers for the away side, with Kylian Mbappe getting some rest.
Villarreal vs Real Madrid Predicted XI
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Alaba, Fran Garcia; Brahim Diaz, Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior