Real Madrid’s possible starting line-up vs Osasuna in LaLiga

Real Madrid visit Osasuna on Saturday, in a clash that offers Los Blancos the opportunity to pile the pressure on their pursuers at the top of LaLiga. If the leaders win at El Sadar, they’ll open up a provisional 10-point advantage over second-placed Girona, who face Getafe later on Saturday, and will be 11 points ahead of third-placed Barcelona, who take on Atlético Madrid on Sunday.

With only four players unavailable through injury - Dani Ceballos is out of the trip to Pamplona, along with longer-term injury victims Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão and David Alaba - head coach Carlo Ancelotti has a wide variety of options to choose from. However, Ancelotti is unlikely to be tempted to experiment this weekend; the Italian is set to name a tried and trusted line-up in Navarre.

Brahim to fill in again for banned Bellingham

Madrid’s first-choice keeper in Courtois’ absence, Andriy Lunin will start in goal. In defence, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy will play at full-back, with Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho Fernández in central defence. They’re Los Merengues’ only fit centre-backs right now, but Militão’s expected return in April will offer Ancelotti greater room for manoeuvre just when the season reaches its business end.

In the midfield, it’s likely that Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric will drop to the bench, despite their fine performances in last weekend’s 4-0 LaLiga win over Celta Vigo. Aurélien Tchouaméni, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde are in line to start in the engine room, with Brahim Díaz once more deputising for the suspended Jude Bellingham in the hole behind the strikers. Bellingham is serving a two-match ban for his red card against Valencia at the start of March, and will return to LaLiga availability in Madrid’s home game against Athletic Club at the end of the month.

Who will partner Vinícius in attack?

Up front, Ancelotti faces a selection poser: Rodrygo Goes or Joselu Mato? Rodrygo is ahead of Joselu in the pecking order, but the Brazilian is enduring a tricky spell of form: in 16 appearances for Madrid in 2024, he has mustered just three goals and two assists. Ancelotti could opt for Joselu’s strength and height against an Osasuna side blessed with plenty of aerial prowess. Whoever gets the nod, they will partner Vinícius Júnior, who - like Ancelotti - is one booking away from a one-match suspension.

Real Madrid’s possible XI vs Osasuna:

Andriy Lunin; Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Toni Kroos; Brahim Díaz; Rodrygo Goes/Joselu Mato and Vinícius Júnior.

Osasuna vs Real Madrid: start time, TV channel

On matchday 29 of the 2023/24 LaLiga season, Osasuna host Real Madrid at El Sadar on Saturday 16 March 2024, with kick-off in Pamplona scheduled for 11:15am ET/8:15am PT. TV viewers in the United States will be able to watch the game on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.