Predicted Real Madrid Lineup To Face Deportivo La Coruna In La Liga
Real Madrid will begin the defence of their La Liga title when they take on Deportivo La Coruna at the Estadio Riazor on Sunday.
Zinedine Zidane’s men have already begun the season with a bang, winning the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United, then defeating Barcelona 5-1 over two legs to clinch the Spanish Super Copa. What will have pleased the manager is that all the exploits have come with the minimal involvement of their talisman forward Cristiano Ronaldo. A win in the league opener against Pepe Mel’s side will set the tone for Los Blancos to go about their business in retaining their title.
Team News
Zidane will be without the services of maverick Cristiano Ronaldo who is facing a five-match ban after his antics in the first-leg of the Super Cup last weekend. Defender Jesus Vallejo is also unlikely to play a part due to a thigh strain.
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Formation: 4-3-3
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican international is the undisputed first-choice between the sticks, ahead of Kiko Casilla. Will start against Deportivo.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
With Danilo gone, the Spaniard will have to feature week in week out at right-back for the Spanish champions.
Raphael Varane (CB)
Has started the new season very strongly and will want to build on it, starting from the game at the Estadio Riazor.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The captain has looked a much calmer and more composed self in the past few weeks and his manager would be hoping to see more of the same.
Marcelo (LB)
Madrid’s greatest attacking outlet, the Brazilian is irremovable from the starting Real Madrid XI.
Luka Modric (CM)
The beating heart of the Madrid midfield, Modric is one of the best in his positions and is a definite starter for the Galacticos.
Casemiro (CM)
The Brazilian midfielder has developed into a key cog in the middle of the park for the Spanish club and should feature from the get go.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
While Toni Kroos has been brilliant for Madrid, the young Croatian has impressed heavily in the Super Cup games against Barcelona and warrants a place in the playing XI.
Gareth Bale (RW)
Was benched for the midweek tie against Barcelona, but could be thrust into action against Deportivo on the right flank, with Lucas Vazquez dropping out.
Karim Benzema (ST)
Scored a goal on Wednesday night against Barca and would want to open his account in the La Liga as well, on Sunday.
Marco Asensio (LW)
The Spanish youngster has been a revelation for Madrid and scored 2 fantastic goals in both the legs against Barcelona. With Ronaldo unavailable, he deserves to start on the left flank.