Real Madrid travel to Pamplona to take on Osasuna in what is to be their last game before the international break, which is set to last for two weeks.
Because of his red card at the end of the game against Valencia, Jude Bellingham is also suspended for this fixture. Brahim Díaz is expected to take his place in the lineup, while Arda Güler is also proving himself to be a worthy candidate for this position.
Real Madrid would look to secure their 22nd win in La Liga, before heading into the international break and further asserting their dominance at the top of the table.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against Osasuna.
Expected lineup
GK: Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian has proven to be an able replacement for Thibaut Courtois and has kept 8 clean sheets in 16 league games this season. This may be his last game before the Belgian makes a return between the goalposts.
RB: Dani Carvajal
Carvajal will displace Lucas Vazquez in the lineup who had one of his best games this season in the last league game. The Spaniard has been one of the most consistent right-backs this season and would look to continue his form.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German is one of the reasons why Real Madrid have the best defense in Spain, conceding only 18 goals. He has been rock solid in defense and has proven his worth every time he stepped on the pitch.
CB: Nacho
The captain will keep his place in the lineup despite being defensively vulnerable. The Spaniard has to be more defensively aware as he will come up against Ante Budimir, who is the 3rd highest goal scorer in the league with 14 goals.
LB: Ferland Mendy
The Frenchman is not known for his overlapping runs and known for his defensive skills. Carlo Ancelotti has shown trust in him and Fran García has not been at his best, which would keep Mendy as the starting left-back.
CM: Fede Valverde
Perhaps the first name on the team sheet despite having other stalwarts in the squad. Has been an impeccable player and a machine in the midfield. Ancelotti knows the Uruguayan’s importance in his side, and will definitely start him for this important match.
CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni
He started the previous fixture from the bench and came on for the final 8-10 minutes. The Frenchman is expected to return to the lineup for this fixture, with Luka Modrić returning to the bench after a solid performance.
CM: Toni Kroos
The German came on for the final few minutes against Celta Vigo but it was visible that he needed the rest. But he is expected to be 100% for this fixture and replace Eduardo Camavinga from the previous game.
CAM: Brahim Díaz
The Spanish-born Moroccan national will get a chance to showcase his skills yet again as he has proven to be the best possible replacement for Jude Bellingham. Osasuna will be defensively stubborn and Brahim’s runs and dribbles can prove to be crucial to break their defence.
ST: Joselu
Carlo Ancelotti may spring a surprise and start the Spaniard instead of Rodrygo. Joselu missed some easy chances against Celta Vigo but has proven to be lethal against teams keeping a low-block which Osasuna are likely to do.
The veteran striker also scored in the earlier game played this season between these two sides which ended in a 4-0 victory for the Merengues.
ST: Vinícius Júnior
Easily one of the best wingers in the world this season and he has proven that time and time again. The Brazilian would look to add to his tally of 10 league goals this season and go into the international break on a high.
