The Santiago Bernabeu will play host to an all-important fixture between Real Madrid and Real Betis this Sunday.
Two changes are expected to be made in Madrid’s lineup, with Arda Güler and Rodrygo replacing Luka Modric and Brahim Díaz respectively.
Other than that, there are no injury concerns except the obvious ones – Alaba, Jude and Camavinga. Eduardo Camavinga is having a swift recovery as the Frenchman has already begun running indoors, but the other two will have to wait longer to return to full fitness.
Here is how Real Madrid can lineup for the game against Real Betis:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian has been impressive this season. In the last match, he could not have done much to prevent the goal. Has kept a cleansheet at home once this season and would look to add further to that tally.
RB: Dani Carvajal
Despite an impressive performance from Lucas Vazquez, Carvajal is likely to take the field against Real Betis. Yet to have an assist or goal to his name this season, but defensively has been solid.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German has been a mainstay in the Real Madrid defence since his arrival at the club and will continue with that role this season too. Has been sloppy at times but he does have the legs to recover the ball.
CB: Éder Militão
The previous game was a poor one from the Brazilian and he needs to step up to the fore. This duo of Rüdiger and Militao is expected to play for most part of the season but if he continues with such performances, Ancelotti may be forced to bench him and play Tchouameni in that position, or David Alaba – once he returns.
LB: Ferland Mendy
Mendy has to pull up his socks. He has been defensively good but already has a red card to his name, and then got another yellow card against Las Palmas. Fran García has shown that at least on the attacking front he is better than the Frenchman, but Ancelotti trusts Mendy and will likely give him another chance.
CM: Fede Valverde
Perhaps the most complete midfielder in the world at the moment. Defence, midfield, attack – you name it, he is everywhere. Easily the first name on the Real Madrid sheet when Ancelotti is deciding his lineup.
CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni
The Frenchman has blown hot and cold this season. His passing has been wayward but it has not really been costly – but it could be against the big sides. With Camavinga’s return on the horizon, Aurelien would be eager to put in some better performances.
CM: Arda Güler
After being injured for the initial part of last season, the Turk has really blown onto the scene since then. The last two games have been impressive and he almost had a goal and assist to his name. With Jude not expected to return for another month, Güler can really make this position his own.
RW: Rodrygo
It would not be wrong to say that this particular Brazilian has been the most in form one on the attacking front. Already has a goal and assist to his name and in the last game, came close to scoring again. Technically great, he would look to keep up this good form.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
The Frenchman has registered 7 shots on target and the highest xG without scoring (2.03) – both these stats being the highest for any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Even though he has not had the start he wanted, these stats show that it is only a matter of time before the star striker shows the world the havoc he is capable of wrecking.
LW: Vinícius Júnior
This particular Brazilian has created the most chances across all competitions in Europe’s top five leagues this season (13). The last game in particular, he was frustrated when he was taken off as the Brazilian knew he was a better player than what he displayed that night. Although not an impressive start to the season, there are a few positive signs and Vinicius would be eager to blow oppositions away.
