LALIGA
Real Madrid possible starting lineup against Espanyol in LaLiga
Carlo Ancelotti is likely to name a full-strength team despite the Champions League being underway and the derby against Atlético coming up.
With the Champions League now underway, games are starting to come thick and fast for Real Madrid. While Carlo Ancelotti would ideally like to rest players before the derby against Atlético on September 29, he is much more likely to do so against Alavés (Tuesday, September 24) than in Saturday’s home fixture versus Espanyol.
Eder Militão set to return in defence
Eder Militão is set to return to the team in central defence. Ancelotti claimed the Brazilian was “100% fit” before the midweek UCL win over Stuttgart, although he only played 45 minutes, coming on at half time. Lucas Vázquez will drop back down to the bench, with Dani Carvajal moving to right-back having partnered Antonio Rüdiger in the middle on Tuesday.
Ferland Mendy is once again expected to start at left-back.
Tchouaméni, Valverde to be rested?
If any players are to be rested, it could happen in midfield. Aurélien Tchouaméni or Fede Valverde may be given some time off, although it equally wouldn’t be a surprise if they started. Luka Modric and Arda Güler are waiting in the wings.
The ‘Fantastic Four’ pick themselves in attack, with Jude Bellingham, from deep, and Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior, from the wide positions, supporting central striker Kylian Mbappé.
With Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, Brahim Díaz and David Alaba all unavailable, Ancelotti has called upon a 19-man roster, three of whom are goalkeepers.
Possible Real Madrid XI to play against Espanyol
Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy; Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.