Real Madrid
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid reacts after Alex Grimaldo of Atletico Madrid (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
Real Madrid will entertain Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this Saturday as they look to secure all three points at home in La Liga. Los Blancos suffered a tough 2-1 loss at the hands of Atletico Madrid recently, so they would be eager to return to winning ways this weekend.
Jose Mourinho will set his players up in a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to make a few tweaks to his first XI for this game. Alvaro Carreras, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rudiger could all play from the start of this clash.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup To Face Villarreal
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will feature in between the sticks for Los Blancos after conceding two goals in his last league appearance. Aurelien Tchouameni would function alongside Antonio Rudiger at the centre of the Real Madrid backline as they look to keep a good shape when defending inside their half.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will try to impress as the right-back, while Alvaro Carreras hopes to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will look to go forward and join in on the attack at every chance they can get.
Ibrahima Konate is a minor doubt for this clash, but could be available for a place on the bench.
Real Madrid
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 20: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is challenged by Marcos Llorente of Atletico Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Midfield
Mourinho could name a midfield three of Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham as they try to establish their dominance over the opposition at the centre of the park. All three of them need to move the ball well if they want to engineer some decent chances for their teammates up top.
Brahim Diaz and Bernardo Silva will make up the numbers on the bench as they wait for their chance to shine in the second 45 minutes if needed.
Attack
Vinicius Jr. will try to make a difference on the left flank, while Yan Diomande gets a chance to shine as the right-winger. Kylian Mbappe will spearhead Mourinho’s attack down the middle. The French striker would be eager to find the back of the net versus Villarreal this weekend.
Carlos Espi and Endrick will be named on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the latter stages if required.