LALIGA SANTANDER
Real Madrid predicted starting team vs Valladolid
We look at the expected line-up from Carlo Ancelotti as Los Blancos return to LaLiga action after the 2022 World Cup break.
LaLiga is back. The champions return to action... and it’s Ronaldo’s Valladolid that lie in wait.
Real Valladolid vs Real Madrid live online: score, stats & updates | LaLiga 2022-23
Real Madrid ready for LaLiga restart
Friday evening at the José Zorrilla will see Los Blancos close 2022 before they kick off a busy 2023, with up to 17 games in just 60 days. The price of success.
Carlo Ancelotti arrives at the Blanquivioleta home with his entire squad... well, apart from Mariano, who last week suffered a “slight” sprain in his right ankle. This is the only casualty for the Italian coach, who has some decisions to make given the return times of various players following the World Cup.
In this sense, the person with whom there seems to be no doubt is Vinicius, who will once again ride alongside Benzema, of whom the boss spoke in the pre-match press conference saying that he knows he has to step up in this second part of the season. His third musketeer, Rodrygo is still reaching his level while Valverde and Asensio are likely to take their places.
In the midfield, along with the aforementioned Uruguayan, we may see Ceballos, fully recovered from the injury that left him out of action in October and November. Kroos should also be included as the finalist Tchouameni takes a breather. In defence he has a choice between Militao and Rüdiger. On paper, the Brazilian is the starter, but the German has been training for a few more sessions and could provide Ancelotti with more guarantees in the short term. Where there are no doubts is between the sticks: Courtois will start.
Possible eleven in Pucela
Based on all that, the possible Real Madrid lineup at the José Zorrilla would be made up of Courtois in goal; a defensive line of Carvajal, Militao or Rüdiger, Alaba and Mendy; in the center of the field Kroos holding, Valverde box-to-box and Ceballos creating, while up front, Asensio on the right, Vinicius on the left, and as center forward, the great captain, Benzema, with a point to be made.