Arda Guler and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid make the trip across the city to face Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano for the first Madrid derby of the season.
Atletico have had the edge over Los Blancos at home in recent seasons, but Mourinho’s arrival has given Madrid a boost.
The Portuguese tactician’s first derby since arriving at the club in the summer sees him face two difficult selection calls.
The core of his team for the Metropolitano appears largely settled, but competition in midfield and attack leaves the Portuguese coach with very different ways of approaching the game.
Guler or Diomande?
According to AS, Mourinho’s clearest attacking dilemma is between Arda Guler and Yan Diomande.
Both attackers strengthened their cases against Elche. Guler was involved in Madrid’s opening goal and continues to offer the creativity Mourinho needs between midfield and attack.
Yan Diomande, Real Madrid player
Yan Diomande is set to fight it out with Arda Guler for a starting berth against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Starting him would give Madrid another player comfortable receiving inside, combining with Jude Bellingham and helping unlock Atletico when spaces become tight.
Diomande presents a completely different threat. The 19-year-old impressed from both wings against Elche, assisting Kylian Mbappe from the right before becoming even more dangerous on the left after Vinicius was withdrawn.
Against Atletico, that directness could be extremely valuable. Diomande can stretch the defensive line and attack space, while Guler offers greater control and invention.
That makes this more than a simple battle between two in-form players. Mourinho is effectively choosing between two markedly different tactical solutions.
Tchouameni leads another midfield debate
The second decision could shape the entire derby. Valverde and Tchouameni are expected to start together. Their job would be to protect Madrid’s defence, compete physically and prevent Atletico from progressing in attack.
Tchouameni’s return is particularly significant. He showed plenty of promise starting the previous game, but should he not be ready to start two games in quick succession, Mourinho has other options.
Bernardo Silva would provide more control in possession and could improve Madrid’s progression against Atletico’s pressure.
Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Tchouameni and Valverde are expected to be the preferred midfield pairing against Atletico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Camavinga provides another profile altogether. His athleticism, ball carrying and ability to escape pressure give Mourinho a different way of attacking Atletico’s midfield.
Mourinho must decide what he needs most
The expected back five is Courtois; Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella, with Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappe also expected to start.
Mourinho now needs to decide what kind of pieces he wants to complete this jigsaw puzzle against Atletico.
Each choice he makes has the potential to bring a different consequence, and it remains to be seen how the Portuguese tactician sets his team up for the derby.
Bellingham, Guler start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Atletico Madrid
Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler of Real Madrid
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Real Madrid will face their toughest test of the season so far on Sunday as they take on Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Matchday 7 of La Liga.
The Merengues head into the game with five wins in six league outings, seated second in the standings behind FC Barcelona, who have won six in six so far.
Real Madrid’s latest game ended in a 3-2 win over Elche, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from new signing Carlos Espi.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are fourth in the standings, with 13 points from six games, and head into the derby on the back of consecutive 3-0 victories over Real Sociedad and CA Osasuna.
Los Blancos have not enjoyed the best of record on their visit to the Metropolitano in La Liga in recent years, and Jose Mourinho will be keen on bucking that trend and picking up all three points heading into the international break.
Leading up to the derby, Real Madrid continue to be without three players in Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy.
Having made a few changes to the lineup for the trip to Elche, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team against Atletico tomorrow.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid and will be in for a hostile reception as is the case every time he plays at the Metropolitano.
Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid
Denzel Dumfries should start at right-back. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, at right-back, summer arrival Denzel Dumfries is expected to come into the side, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, having won the battle for the first-choice right-back.
On the opposite side, World Cup winner Marc Cucurella is likely to continue ahead of Alvaro Carreras, despite the latter impressing on his last start against Rayo Vallecano.
Dean Huijsen, back into the Spain squad after missing the World Cup, will pair up with Ibrahima Konate at centre-back.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni made his first start of the new season against Elche, having fully recovered from his injury.
The Frenchman is seen as an integral player by Mourinho and his staff in order to provide balance and stability to the team. As such, he is expected to feature from the get-go again in the derby.
Partnering Tchouameni in the centre of the park will be club captain Federico Valverde, who has been a permanent fixture in the team under the new manager.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid
Bellingham expected to return. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
As far as the attacking midfield role is concerned, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the lineup after being rested by Mourinho against Elche. The England international has made a brilliant start to the season and will be key for Real Madrid to come out on top in the derby.
Attack
As for the attacking unit, there will be a change on the right flank with new signing Yan Diomande expected to drop out of the team after back-to-back starts.
Instead, Arda Guler, who has excelled under Mourinho this term, will take up the position, from where he will look to create chances for his fellow attackers.
Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack for Real Madrid, while Vinicius Jr. will take up his usual place on the left wing. The Brazilian will need to step up after a few underwhelming displays so far.