Real Madrid will face Espanyol in matchday eight on Saturday, away from home. The Whites from Madrid will want to come back to winning ways after disappointing performances in the previous two encounters against Villarreal and Sheriff Tiraspol.
Real Madrid had a stellar start to their season, scoring 21 goals in just six games, and was unbeaten in all competitions, but Spanish giants struggled lately and failed to register victories in a couple of recent games.
Espanyol had a troublesome start having won just once in the opening seven games. The hosts will look to grab some points against Madrid and move up in the points table.
Dani Ceballos, Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, and Ferland won’t be available due to injuries. Carlo Ancelloti will be hoping for an improved defensive performance from his team.
Here is our predicted lineup for the game against Espanyol:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is producing jaw-dropping saves in every game for the Blancos. Courtois will be hoping for another clean sheet to his name on Saturday.
Defenders: Miguel Gutierrez, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho
The youngster Miguel Gutierrez has been phenomenal for Ancelloti in the absence of regular left-backs Marcelo and Mendy. Miguel has shown a lot of potential moving forward but needs to be more reliable defensively.
The partnership of Alaba and Militao in the center of the defense is very crucial for the team’s defensive performance. The duo will have to deal with the threat of Raul de Tomas, who is very sharp with his movements and a former galactico.
Nacho can once again be given the responsibility to play on the right side of the defense. The Spaniard has been rock-solid defensively.
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Casemiro, Luka Modric
Valverde has been one of the standout performers for Real Madrid and has been involved in every game this season. The Uruguayan is the focal point in midfield and has been industrious throughout.
Casemiro needs to return to his best. The Brazilian needs to provide more defensive stability and avoid any breakdowns at the back.
Modric will be looking to start in the midfield along with Valverde and Casemiro. The Croatian maestro will have to pull some strings from the middle of the park and get his team back on winning momentum.
Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard
Vinicius will be hoping to net some goals for the team. The Brazilian has been immensely effective on wings and creates a lot of chances to score.
The Frenchman will want to continue his goal-scoring form and is currently the top goal scorer and has the most number of assists in La Liga.
Hazard needs to impress the coach and the management with his performance. The Belgian needs to be at his best and chip in with goals and assists for the team. Ancelloti trusts the player and will give him the opportunity to showcase his talent.
Real Madrid predicted XI vs Espanyol:- Thibaut Courtois, Miguel Gutierrez, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Nacho, Federico Valverde, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Eden Hazard.
The game will be played at Cornellà-El Prat ( Espanyol’s home stadium) on Saturday (7.45 p.m. IST).
