Following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Real Madrid will lock horns against relegation fodder, Cádiz in La Liga.
Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field a similar lineup which faced Real Sociedad last week, with several changes being made from the Bayern game.
The Italian manager confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will start along with Éder Militão, with hopes of the Brazilian defender getting back into rhythm for the rest of the season.
Aurélien Tchouaméni limped out of training on Thursday but returned on Friday. However, no risks will be taken in light of the big game this mid-week and the Frenchman is expected to be rested.
While not the most equal match-up, this match can still be important as Los Blancos can seal the La Liga title with a win at the Bernabeu – if FC Barcelona drop points against Girona later on.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against Cádiz.
Expected lineup:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian will finally make his first start of the season following two potentially season-ending injuries. He would hope to keep a cleansheet against a side that has scored the least number of goals this season.
RB: Dani Carvajal
After a poor performance from Lucas Vázquez in the midweek fixture, Carvajal is expected to return to the line-up. His last game against Sociedad was a solid one, as he ended up assisting for the only goal scored in that game and kept a clean sheet as well. The Spaniard might be subbed off in the 2nd half to avoid any potential injuries for the return leg against Bayern Munich.
CB: Éder Militão
The Brazilian made his first start since returning from injury against Sociedad and put on a solid display against a potent attack. He would want to put on a similar performance with hopes of regaining his form slowly and gradually.
CB: Nacho
With the news of his departure at the end of the season all but confirmed, the veteran defender would look to end his career at Real Madrid on a high. In the game against Bayern, he was troubled by Harry Kane’s movement but is not expected to face such a challenge against Cadiz.
LB: Fran García
The Spaniard has blown hot and cold this season, not truly showcasing his potential so far. There have been glimpses but he would look to make a case for himself at left-back with the potential arrival of Alphonso Davies next summer.
CDM: Eduardo Camavinga
With his fellow French compatriot having an injury scare, Camavinga slots in as his automatic replacement. He has put in the hard yards and seems to be a destroyer in the midfield. His cameo against the Bavarians was forgettable but it is expected that he would put that performance behind him.
CM: Dani Ceballos
For a midfielder way down in the pecking order, he could not have performed in a worse way than he did against Sociedad. However, a string of starts may help him find his groove and show the Real Madrid fans what he is capable of.
CM: Luka Modrić
The Croatian has had a positive impact whenever he has come on as a substitute with a performance or two while he started. The Bernabeu faithful should enjoy every moment of this midfield maestro as these may be his final few games with the club, with his availability for next season still not confirmed.
CAM: Arda Güler
The 19-year-old showed the world and Madridistas what he is capable of doing, with his goal last week not being the only highlight of his performance. The news of him staying next season would be a delight to hear as the Turk is willing to be patient for further opportunities. The Bernabeu faithful will get to see him make his first start at home.
ST: Brahim Díaz
The last few games have not been up to the mark and it seems like the Moroccan national is aware of that. He has continued to show his ability to run at his opponents from the get-go and make some dangerous dribbles. However, the youngster needs to improve his decision-making in the final third as that has been the missing element in his previous few appearances.
ST: Joselu
The veteran striker scored his last goal back in February against Rayo Vallecano and since then he has just been a shadow of his previous self. The 34-year-old’s finishing has been questionable but it is never too late to regain your form, especially at such a crucial juncture of the season.
Considering the fact that he is aware of how to score against teams that keep a low block, he would be expected to be amongst the goal scorers today.
