Real Madrid are in sizzling form right now, as they have scored seven goals in their last two La Liga games, and were also able to qualify for the final of the UEFA Champions League after beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate.
Next up, they face Alaves in one of their three remaining La Liga matches, a side that is currently placed 11th in the league, and has won three of their last four games.
Having already wrapped up the league, Real Madrid can approach this game without too many worries, and Carlo Ancelotti will thus be able to get some of his fringe players on the pitch, as he has been doing in the last few games.
However, he will also have to ensure that his starters keep their competitive rhythm up, and do not relax too much ahead of the final against Dortmund. Keeping in view all these factors, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to field the following eleven for this match against Alaves.
Expected Line Up:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
After having spent most of the season on the sidelines and keeping two clean sheets in his two starts this season, Courtois will be looking to get more minutes on the pitch in this match.
This match will have greater importance for the Belgian than for most other Real Madrid players as he will be looking to convince Ancelotti to start him in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
RB: Dani Carvajal
Having rested in the last game against Granada, Carvajal might start this game to keep up his sharpness, ahead of the UCL final and the UEFA EURO 2024 that is scheduled for this summer.
CB: Éder Militão
Is facing a similar situation as Courtois, as he has returned from a long injury, and it has been only some matches in which he has been able to play. Was able to see out the match against Granada, and will be looking to get to full fitness with another match under his belt.
CB: Nacho
Carlo Ancelotti started Antonio Rudiger for the match against Granada, but will be tempted to give the German some rest as he had a very demanding season. Nacho will thus be given the responsibility to lead the backline, something the Spaniard will be keen to do after having won his first La Liga title as a Real Madrid captain.
LB: Fran García
The Spaniard has been making a case for himself in the last two games in which Ancelotti has started him, and was highly impressive in the game against Granada. He scored the team’s first goal, and also provided one assist, and there is no reason to cut short such an impactful run of form for the fullback.
CM: Dani Ceballos
The Spanish midfielder has been improving his performances as Ancelotti has given him the chance to shine on the pitch in the last two games. The Italian might give him another chance to shine in this game, if only to impress potential suitors for him in the coming summer.
CDM: Eduardo Camavinga
It is still unclear whether Aurelien Tchouameni will be available to play in the UCL final against Borussia Dortmund, as he suffered a left foot injury after the Bayern match. Eduardo Camavinga, will be ready to replace his compatriot in this match, and hopefully will be able to show Ancelotti that he is a reliable enough deputy for the final as well.
CM: Federico Valverde
The Uruguayan has been one of the most used players for Ancelotti this season, and the match against Granada was the only one game in which he did not make an appearance this season. While he could benefit from some rest, the Italian tactician may choose to use him in this match to maintain his sharpness.
RW: Arda Güler
Arda Guler is definitely the player that every Real Madrid fan wants to see playing, and after not giving him many opportunities throughout the season, Ancelotti has been allowing the Turk to showcase his tremendous potential to the world in the last few games.
Guler has scored in his last three appearances, and Santiago Bernabeu will be eager to be entertained by his beautiful football once again.
ST: Rodrygo
The Brazilian did not step on the pitch in the last game against Granada, and thus can get to start in this match. This will be a good opportunity for him to play without any real pressure, and get some goals to his name.
LW: Brahim Díaz
Following an MVP performance in the last match, the Morocco international will again be gunning to get another start and weave his magic on the pitch. Despite not being a starter, he has been immense for Real Madrid this season, and certainly deserves the opportunity to showcase his talents to the world.
