Predicted Real Madrid Lineup To Face Granada
Real Madrid will take a trip to the Los Carmenes Stadium on Saturday, as they gear up to take on relegation battlers Granada in the Spanish La Liga.
Zinedine Zidane’s men sit 2nd in the standings, level on points with Barcelona, but could find themselves three points adrift of the Catalans, who are set to play earlier on Saturday. Madrid will come into the game high on confidence though, after thrashing neighbours Atletico Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Zidane is largely expected to field a much-changed side, keeping in mind the second leg of the semi-final encounter at the Vicente Calderon 4 days later.
Team News
Madrid have been dealt a big blow as one of their most consistent players of the season, Dani Carvajal has been ruled out for the season after picking up a thigh injury against Atletico in the midweek. Fellow defender Pepe too, remains unavailable, along with Gareth Bale.
Probable Real Madrid Starting XI:
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Kiko Casilla (GK)
The Spaniard hasn’t disappointed when called upon to deputise for Keylor Navas. Expect him to man the goal on Saturday night.
Danilo (RB)
With Dani Carvajal ruled out, this one will be an enforced change, as Danilo will come in for the Spanish international.
Nacho (CB)
Raphael Varane had an excellent game against Atletico. But with him just returning from an injury, Zidane will most likely give him a day off against Granada, meaning Nacho getting a starting berth.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The second centre-half spot will be retained by captain Sergio Ramos, to provide an experienced presence on the pitch.
Marcelo (LB)
With Fabio Coentrao in hardly any shape to play, the manager will not be in a position to rotate. Marcelo will start once again at left-back.
Casemiro (CM)
The Brazilian has become a vital part of the Madrid midfield. He is someone who Zidane will not be looking to rotate.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
The former Inter Milan man hasn’t been used regularly but has done very well when needed. He could come in for Luka Modric against Granada.
James Rodriguez (CM)
Another change in midfield, with Toni Kroos expected to drop to the bench. James featured in the previous La Liga game for Madrid against Valencia and will start again.
Isco (RW)
One of the brightest players for Madrid against Atletico, Isco did not play the entire game and may get another run from the kick-off on Saturday.
Alvaro Morata (ST)
The Spaniard has scored more goals than Karim Benzema this season, despite featuring much less than the Frenchman. Should be trusted to get the job done against a relegation opposition.
Marco Asensio (LW)
The spot on the left-flank will be taken up by the young and promising Marco Asensio, as Zidane will look to rest Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Champions League tie.