Xabi Alonso, who may be without Kylian Mbappé, will kick things off as Real Madrid head coach with a 4-4-2 against Al Hilal at the Club World Cup. Granted, in today’s game, rigid formations are almost a contradiction in terms. But they still give us a rough idea of what to expect. That much-discussed three-center-back setup? If it happens, it’ll be later - definitely not in his debut.

Will Kylian Mbappé play for Real Madrid against Hilal?

That debut comes on Wednesday against the Saudi Arabian club (3:00 p.m. ET). And one big question remains up front: will it be Mbappé or Rodrygo starting alongside Vinicius Jr.? It depends on how quickly the Frenchman recovers from the flu. A game-time decision, but a massive one.

That slot could be Rodrygo’s lifeline in the starting XI. Because out on the right wing, Arda Güler is currently winning the battle.

Alonso sees the Turkish star as a gem worth polishing, and all signs point to him getting the nod in the new coach’s first game in charge. If Mbappé is ready, Rodrygo would likely start on the bench. What happens once wonderkid Franco Mastantuono officially joins the mix in Madrid? That’s a story for another day.

For now: carpe diem.

Two debutants in defense

The rest of the lineup mostly writes itself, with injuries and ongoing recoveries narrowing the options. Thibaut Courtois will remain in goal, behind a makeshift but intriguing back line. Trent Alexander-Arnold is locked in at right back, while fellow debutant Dean Huijsen gets the start as the left-sided center back.

The other two spots go to Raúl Asencio - standing in for Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger, none of whom are fully fit - and Fran García on the left, with Ferland Mendy ruled out for the entire tournament.

Alonso’s Jude Bellingham mystery

In midfield, it’ll be Aurelien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde doing the heavy lifting, with Jude Bellingham slightly shifted to the left. Bellingham’s exact role in Alonso’s system is still a mystery to solve.

Up front, there’s no debate about Vinicius Jr. - he’s the first name on the team sheet. The only unknown? Who lines up next to him.

Possible Real Madrid XI vs Al Hilal

Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, García; Güler, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Rodrygo or Mbappé, Vinícius.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.