Real Madrid will take the field to come up against the Catalan club RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that some changes can be expected, with the most notable one being Endrick making his first start.
Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Espanyol:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian singlehandedly kept Madrid in the game against Stuttgart and if it were not for him, a loss was very much on the cards. Would look to add to his clean-sheet tally of 4.
RB: Dani Carvajal
He started the previous match as CB and looked shaky, but he was much better in his natural position. The Spaniard has not recorded an assist so far this season and would be eager to break the shackles.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German has been defensively solid and even scored his first goal of the season against Stuttgart. With the games coming thick and fast, he has to be physically fit as there are no centre-backs of his caliber in the squad.
CB: Éder Militão
Has blown hot and cold this season. Not been at his best but everyone knows his potential. He needs to be consistent, otherwise Aurelien Tchouaméni will most likely take his place at the back.
LB: Fran García
Just been involved in four games and started in one of them. But the Spaniard has provided some sort of attacking presence up front and has been a burst of energy against tired legs. Might be rewarded with a start in place of Ferland Mendy.
CM: Fede Valverde
The most consistent player in the squad and arguably also the most important one. Barring the last match, he has been one of the best midfielders in Europe and would hope to extend his purple patch.
CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni
Despite looking a bit shaky in the first half against Stuttgart, he put in a much better display later. The Frenchman plays in the most difficult position in the world – arguably – and is already a starter at Madrid.
CM: Jude Bellingham
Provided a breath of fresh air in the midfield with his return. Ancelotti has hinted that the Englishman may also be used as a number 10 in some games like he did for most part of last season. Madrid would hope that no new injuries occur as Jude is a pivotal player in the midfield.
RW: Rodrygo
If the Brazilian works on his decision making, he will be an undisputed starter in this lineup. He has looked more in form as compared to Mbappe and Vini and would also be looking to show why he should have been there in the Ballon d’Or ranking.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
Such is the caliber of Mbappe that even after scoring 5 goals in 7 games, people say he is not at his best. To be fair, it is true. We are still yet to see the best of the Frenchman and if he stays fit – it would not be long before we do.
LW: Vinícius Júnior
Despite quiet performances in the last two games, the Brazilian is in line to start this match. Mainly because of the fact that Espanyol are expected to overload the defence and Vini’s pace and dribbles can cause trouble. But if Ancelotti thinks otherwise, Endrick may receive a start.
