REAL MADRID
Real Madrid’s potential starting XI against Villarreal in LaLiga Santander
Carlo Ancelotti is set to rotate heavily after Real Madrid’s historic Clásico Cup win.
A battle between two wars, and one in which the generals will be rested. Madrid return to the League after their incredible night at the Camp Nou, one that granted them a place in the Copa del Rey final. But they come back to the capital with their minds fixed firmly on the upcoming Champions League tie against Chelsea. The Cups are the last two competitions that can guide Los Blancos to what available silverware is left this season, in contrast to a League in which the 12-point advantage that Barça hold seems insurmountable.
The match against Villarreal this Saturday (8 April, 3p.m. ET) is presented, therefore, as an opportunity for Ancelotti to switch up his squad and rest some of the Camp Nou heroes, giving minutes to those who didn’t start. The Italian boss can tweak the defense and the centre of the field almost completely. At the rear he wants to go with Alaba again but with three different teammates to the lineup he used in Barcelona: Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger and Nacho, who is back after suspension, will most likely be the chosen trio.
In midfield, Kroos and Modric will be rested, as will Camavinga, giving up their places to Tchouaméni and Ceballos to play alongside Valverde. As of now, the Uruguayan is, after Vinicius, the second Real Madrid player with the most minutes this season. In attack are the ‘untouchables’, Benzema and Vinicius, who may once again be accompanied by Asensio, after the great match that the Spaniard had against Valladolid.
Possible eleven of Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid-Villarreal in the League
With only the loss of Mendy due to injury hampering Ancelotti’s plans, the potential eleven that Carlo Ancelotti can put out to go against Villarreal is: Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Rüdiger, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Ceballos; Asensio, Benzema and Vinicius.
On the bench will be: Lunin, Luis López, Carvajal, Odriozola, Militão, Vallejo, Camavinga, Kroos, Modric, Hazard, Rodrygo and Mariano.
Carvajal, Camavinga and Ceballos are on the alert and will miss the match on Saturday 15th April against Cádiz if they see the yellow card in the game versus Villarreal.
LaLiga Santander 2022/2023
| Classification | PTS | WM | TM | LM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Barcelona | 71 | 23 | 2 | 2 |
| 2Real Madrid | 59 | 18 | 5 | 4 |
| 3Atlético de Madrid | 54 | 16 | 6 | 5 |
| Upcoming matches | |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid - Villarreal | S-08/04 15:00 |
| Cádiz - Real Madrid | S-15/04 15:00 |
| Real Madrid - Celta de Vigo | S-22/04 15:00 |
*Data updated to date Apr 7th, 2023