BARCELONA - REAL MADRID
Zidane set to line out with Real Madrid's gala XI in Clásico
Zidane could opt for the same line-up as the one that played Bayern on Tuesday as he looks to ration out minutes for the Sevilla game on Wednesday.
Zinedine Zidane wants to put the finishing touches on a important week in Real Madrid's season with a win over Barcelona in the Clásico at the Camp Nou on Sunday. The French manager knows his side can only play for second place but understands the a win in the Clásico would add a sheen on their mediocre domestic season. Real Madrid are further motivated by being in control of whether Barcelona finish the season unbeaten or not.
With this in mind, Zidane will go to the Camp Nou with the same eleven that lined out against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night if injuries allow. The only variations that Zidane is considering is Casemiro for Kovacic and with doubts over Benzema, Bale could feature alongside Ronaldo up front.
Raphael Varane trained inside on Thursday and if he can not overcome his discomfort, he will be replaced by Nacho or Jesus Vallejo if he's not 100%. Zidane has said time and again he will not take a risk so it is looking increasingly likely he will not feature.
If that is the case, Zidane's doubts are further out to the right where he will have to choose between Nacho and Lucas Vazquez. The Galician played well on Tuesday night and could start again if Nacho is picked inside. If Vallejo is picked as Ramos' partner in the centre, however, Nacho will likely be preferred given he is a more natural defender than Vazquez.
Ronaldo will start but is not interested in fighting for an individual award in an effort to catch Lionel Messi in the race for the Pichici trophy. He won't travel to Sevilla
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