Real Madrid will host Villarreal at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday for their third game of the week.
Los Blancos is cruising past the opponents with ease and is at the summit of the points table. The Spanish Giants have scored staggering 21 goals in the opening six games, with Karim Benzema involved in 75% of the goals.
The Europa League Champions are yet to be defeated this season but have only registered one victory. Unai Emery’s men are very resilient defensively, and their high press is effective to a great extent.
Carlo Ancelloti will be hoping to have their German sniper Toni Kroos and the club captain Marcelo back in the squad for Sunday’s clash.
The Whites from Madrid will have to be solid defensively to resist Villarreal’s sturdy attack. Los Blancos have been vulnerable at the back and were caught napping on several occasions, but the Italian will be looking forward to a disciplined performance from his defense.
Here is our predicted Real Madrid XI for the game against Villarreal:-
Goalkeepers:- Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is in fantastic form and produced jaw-dropping saves in recent games. Courtois is yet to keep a clean sheet at the renovated Bernabeu.
Defenders:- Miguel Gutierrez, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho
Gutierrez has been excellent for Ancelloti after the injuries to Mendy and Marcelo. The Castilla player is very productive offensively and can whip in amazing crosses to attack, but he will have a grueling task to defend the youngster Yeremy Pinto.
David Alaba has been an excellent signing for Blancos because of his immense quality and experience. The Austrian needs to be at his best to resist Paco Alcacer, Gerard Moreno, and Pinto.
Eder Militao has been solid at the back and is most likely to partner Alaba at the center of the defense. Militao has been consistent with his performance for Madrid and has a very good recovery rate.
Nacho will once again ply his trade at the right-back position because of the injury to Carvajal. Nacho has some amount of experience playing on the right side of the defense, having played there on numerous occasions for his club and country.
Midfielders:- Luka Modric, Casemiro, Marco Asensio
The 36-year-old got a much-needed rest against Mallorca. Modric is one of the essential players for Ancelloti, and the ballon d’or winner can break open any defense with his creativity and accuracy.
Casemiro was also rested on Thursday by the manager. The Brazilian is a vital physical presence in the middle of the park for Blancos, who chips in with decisive tackles and interceptions.
After a spectacular performance against Luis Garcia’s men Asensio will be hoping to keep his place in the starting XI in place of Valverde, who has played every game this season. The Spaniard was very effective centrally and will be expected to continue his form.
Forwards:- Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard
Vinicius has become irreplaceable after producing phenomenal performances in every game. The Brazilian can torment any defense with his pace and trickery. Vini Jr. has also scored five goals this season.
Benzema is one of the best No.9 in the world currently. The Frenchman is consistent with his performances for the club and is the top goalscorer and assist provider in La Liga.
The Belgian will be hoping to get a chance against Villarreal to impress the manager and the club. The in-form Hazard can be very beneficial to Madrid and can help them win several titles.
Real Madrid XI against Villarreal:- Thibaut Courtois, Miguel Gutierrez, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho, Luka Modric, Casemiro, Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard.
The clash will take place on Sunday (12.30 a.m. IST) at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
