Real Madrid will be in action for the first time on Saturday as the 2021/22 Spanish League gets underway over the weekend. Los Blancos travel away from home to play Deportivo Alaves, hoping to get their new season underway with great pleasure.
With the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new man in charge, it will be surprising to see how his side will be assembled for the first game of the new season after two months of pre-season.
Here is the predicted starting XI for Real Madrid C.F. against Deportivo Alaves for the first game of their La Liga 2021-2022 season:
GOALKEEPER – Thibaut Courtois
The Belgium international is expected to continue from where he left off last season. A strong performance throughout the whole of last season and had a good European championship campaign with his national team. He is expected to be crucial once again for the club.
DEFENDERS – Lucas Vazquez, Nacho Fernandez, David Alaba & Marcelo
Dani Carvajal’s absence gives Lucas Vasquez an opportunity to still have an important role to play despite Alvaro Odriozola being available. The Spaniard will occupy the right-back role on Saturday.
David Alaba is in line for his first official appearance for the club and could be partnered by Nacho Fernandez, who has racked up a lot of experience over the years.
Ancelotti’s return and injuries to both Ferland Mendy and Marcelo means Miguel Gutierrez could be handed a starting berth in the opener.
MIDFIELDERS – Luka Modric, Casemiro & Isco
New season, same old Luka Modric. The Croatia midfielder has been too good in pre-season and is likely to maintain his place in the team.
Casemiro and Isco join him in the middle of the park to pull the strings.
FORWARDS – Gareth Bale, Luka Jovic & Rodrygo
Following his good loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur, Gareth Bale has a huge season ahead to attract support from the Madrid fans. The winger will likely start Saturday’s game alongside Luka Jovic and Rodrygo Goes, who has shown glimpses of his immense talent.
Real Madrid predicted XI vs Deportivo Alaves – Courtois; Vazquez, Fernandez, Alaba, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Isco; Bale, Jovic, Rodrygo.
The game will be played at Mendizorroza stadium (Alaves Home Stadium).
