LALIGA
Real Madrid’s possible starting line-up vs Valencia in LaLiga today
A trio of regulars are set to return to the Real Madrid team this weekend, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men continue their Spanish title bid at Valencia.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti welcomes a number of players back to availability on Saturday, as the leaders visit Valencia in LaLiga.
Carvajal, Camavinga and Bellingham set for Real Madrid return
After serving suspensions in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Sevilla, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga are expected to return to Madrid’s XI - as is Jude Bellingham, who has recovered from an ankle issue.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ancelotti said Bellingham is “100%” fit and “will play” against Valencia. The 20-year-old has missed Los Blancos’ last three games since spraining his ankle in February’s 4-0 LaLiga win over title rivals Girona.
Despite his recent absence, Bellingham remains Madrid’s top scorer this season, with 20 goals in all competitions (seven and eight more than Rodrygo Goes and Vinícius Júnior, respectively). The England star is also the club’s leading assist provider this term, with eight.
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Tchouaméni to play in central defence again?
Camavinga is expected to partner Toni Kroos in central midfield at Mestalla, with Aurélien Tchouaméni moving back into defence. As has already been the case on several occasions this season, the France midfielder is set to deputise at centre-back, as Nacho Fernández seems likely to miss out with a minor injury.
In addition to Carvajal, Camavinga and Bellingham, striker Joselu Mato has also returned to Madrid’s matchday squad. The 33-year-old sat out the victory over Sevilla with an ankle problem, but has returned to fitness ahead of schedule. He is in line to start among the substitutes.
Despite his excellent display against Sevilla, Lucas Vázquez is set to make way for the returning Carvajal. Luka Modric also impressed against the Andalusians - scoring a fine winner as a second-half substitute - but he isn’t expected to start at Mestalla, either.
Brahim Díaz, who started every game during Bellingham’s injury layoff, will return to the bench to accommodate the Englishman.
Real Madrid’s possible starting line-up vs Valencia:
Lunin, Carvajal, Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Mendy, Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga, Bellingham, Vinícius, Rodrygo.
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Valencia vs Real Madrid: start time, how to watch
Real Madrid take on Valencia today, Saturday 2 March 2024, with kick-off at Mestalla scheduled for 3pm ET/12 noon PT. Viewers in the United States will be able to watch the game on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
Chasing the 36th Spanish league title in their history, Madrid head into matchday 27 with a six-point lead over second-placed Girona, who play Real Mallorca on Sunday.