The Reale Arena will play host to an exciting fixture with Real Sociedad taking on Real Madrid. Los Blancos do not have numbers in midfield despite Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouaméni returning to training.
Eder Militao completed his recovery from injury and is expected to start in defence. It would be interesting to see if Carlo Ancelotti makes any changes to the starting lineup, before the start of Madrid’s Champions League campaign next week.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against Real Sociedad:
GK: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian has kept two cleansheets in four La Liga games this season, with the one against Real Betis being the best one as the 32-year-old shot-stopper was made to work hard to protect his goal.
RB: Dani Carvajal
There were rumours that Carlo Ancelotti may have rested Carvajal for this match but keeping in mind that they have to play catchup to FC Barcelona, the Italian may change his mind. He was a bit uncomfortable against Betis but kept his cool and did not make any mistakes whatsoever.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
Probably the first name on the team sheet – and rightfully so. The German has had solid performances in all the games this season despite being a tad bit sloppy at times. He is an integral part of this squad will have to keep up his form for the rest of the season.
CB: Éder Militão
The Brazilian suffered a minor injury, but luckily for Real Madrid, it was before the international break and he has recovered and is in line to start the match alongside Rüdiger.
LB: Ferland Mendy
He also has had a swift recovery from the strain and will take the field against Sociedad. The Frenchman has been reckless at times this season and Madrid would hope that he keeps his cool since he is still one of the best defensive full-backs in Europe at the moment.
CDM: Fede Valverde
“Spectacular”, is the word Carlo Ancelotti used for the Uruguayan in the pre-match presser for this fixture – and rightfully so. Fede has been everywhere on the field. Running back to cover for Carvajal, taking an occasional shot at goal, and not to forget his sublime assist to Mbappe in the last match. Already proving his credentials as the rightful heir to Toni Kroos’ number 8.
CDM: Luka Modric
The legendary midfielder will form a double pivot with Fede – on paper – but it will probably change during the game as the Croatian is not as effective and now does not even have the legs to play as a defensive midfielder anymore. The veteran is aware that he will get very few starts this season and since it could be his last year in top-level football, he would want to go out flying.
RW: Rodrygo
A promising start to the season for the Brazilian, with a goal and assist in 4 games. Although he was not involved in the goals in the last match, the 23-year old put on a fabulous display and would look to continue his form.
CAM: Arda Güler
Ancelotti has admitted that the Turk may not be an undisputed starter but he would be playing a lot this season. The 19-year old has already shown the world what he is capable of but there is certainly still more to come as far as this young sensation is concerned.
LW: Vinícius Júnior
Two assists and a goal from the penalty spot has been the start to his season. He is yet to score from open play and the Brazilian also knows that he has not played at his best yet in La Liga.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
The Frenchman is finally off the mark, following a solid brace in the last match. Now it is just time for him to continue the same goal-scoring momentum and show the world why he is regarded as one of the best in the business.
