Real Madrid conclude a superb start to the 2023/24 season with a trip to Vitoria to face Deportivo Alaves on Thursday night.
Having been beaten just once all season, Madrid are primed for a domestic title challenge and another deep Champions League run. However, Girona’s staggering first half to the campaign means Carlo Ancelotti’s side could end the calendar year second in La Liga.
Before an exciting second half to the season ensues, Madrid, who boast a healthy lead over reigning champions Barcelona, have a tricky assignment against Alaves’ stubborn defence.
Here’s how Ancelotti could set his side up on Thursday night.
GK: Andriy Lunin – Kepa Arrizabalaga is very much back, but Lunin continues to get the nod between the sticks.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – The converted winger will retain his place at right-back, although Dani Carvajal is expected to return in the new year.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Already had a huge role to play for Madrid before David Alaba tore his ACL on Sunday.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – The captain has played second fiddle this season, but he could be thrust into a regular starting position in Alaba’s absence.
LB: Fran Garcia – A head injury will likely rule Ferland Mendy out of Thursday’s game, so the raw but dynamic Garcia could make a rare start.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – The Frenchman is back after breaking his foot. Tchouameni was a second-half substitute on Sunday and Ancelotti could give him a starting berth to round off 2023.
CM: Toni Kroos – Amid rumours of a potential national team reunion at Euro 2024, Kroos will remain in Ancelotti’s midfield against Alaves.
CM: Federico Valverde – Only Rudiger (1,390) has notched more La Liga minutes for Los Blancos than Valverde (1,389) this season.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Artem Dovbyk closed the gap on Bellingham at the top of La Liga’s scoring charts on Monday night, but the Englishman nonetheless got on the scoresheet on Sunday to take his league tally to 13 goals.
ST: Rodrygo – The Brazilian’s fine form in the absence of Vinicius Jr continued at the weekend as he scored Madrid‘s second against Villarreal. Rodrygo has now registered 13 goal contributions in his last eight games.
ST: Joselu – Brahim Diaz has been excellent when given a starting berth, but Ancelotti could opt for the towering presence of Joselu against a deep Alaves defence. Crosses into the box will be an avenue to goal.
READ THE LATEST REAL MADRID NEWS, TRANSFER…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…