Possible lineup for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal in LaLiga matchday 17 clash
Ancelotti’s eleven against Villarreal is expected to be similar to the side who drew away to Betis with the major doubt surrounding the goalkeeping position.
The good news for Carlo Ancelotti as Christmas looms is a recovery room gradually being cleared as more and more fit players return to the squad ahead of a busy spell for Real Madrid. Aurélien Tchouameni is back in a pre-game squad list for the first time in over a month and a half after injuring his left foot in El Clasico against Barça. Los Blancos do still have plenty of absentees however with the likes of Carvajal, Camavinga, Vinicius, Arda Güler, Courtois or Militao still missing.
Real Madrid - Villarreal: Follow the live action here!
After the rotations against Unión Berlin in the Champions League, it’s anticipated that the Real Madrid eleven against Villarreal will present few variations compared to the previous League match against Betis. The big doubt is in goal, where we will see if Ancelotti maintains his commitment to Lunin or returns to using Kepa. The coach avoided the matter at the pre-game press conference out of respect for his own players. “I have decided, but I haven’t spoken to them yet... and I don’t want them to find out through the press,” explained the Italian coach.
The defense will once again be made up of Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Alaba and Mendy and it seems unlikely that Tchouameni will go directly from the infirmary to starting the team. Modric, Valverde, Kroos and Bellingham are expected to man the midfield with Brahim and Rodrygo leading the line.
Possible XI for Real Madrid against Villarreal
Raúl Jiménez sees red for Fulham
Lunin or Kepa; Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy; Modric, Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham; Brahim and Rodrygo.
📋✅ ¡Nuestros convocados para el partido 🆚 @VillarrealCF! #RealMadridVillarreal pic.twitter.com/6dpsOEDo4Z
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) December 16, 2023
The Madrid coach has called up three Castilla players: Nico Paz, Vinicius Tobias and goalkeeper Mario de Luis. They will man the bench along with Nacho, Fran García, Tchouameni, Ceballos and Joselu.