Predicted Real Madrid Line-up To Face Athletic Bilbao In La Liga
Real Madrid will look to close down the gap at the top of the La Liga table when they take on Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames on Saturday night.
Zinedine Zidane’s Galacticos sit 4th in the Spanish top-flight, with 27 points after 13 rounds of fixtures, 8 points behind league leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona and 4 behind second-placed Valencia. The French manager will be hoping that his team turn it up and claim all the three points against Jose Angel Ziganda’s struggling side on Saturday.
This past weekend, Madrid earned a hard-fought 3-2 win over Malaga and followed it up with a 2-2 draw Fuenlabrada in the Copa Del Rey during the midweek.
Team News
Zidane has been handed a boost by the return of three important first-team players in the form of Mateo Kovacic, Keylor Navas and Gareth Bale, all of whom featured in the game against Fuenlabrada on Tuesday night. Marco Asensio remains the only big absentee for the Spanish capital club.
Here’s how Los Blancos might take the field at the San Mames on Saturday:
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Keylor Navas (GK)
Having made his first appearance after returning from injury during the midweek, Keylor Navas should continue between the sticks ahead of Kiko Casilla.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
At right-back, Spanish international Dani Carvajal should take his rightful place in the starting XI against Bilbao.
Raphael Varane (CB)
The Frenchman is a constant fixture in the heart of the defence for Zidane’s side and that is unlikely to change this weekend.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The club captain wasn’t a part of the team against Malaga due to a facial injury he picked up but should return to action in place of Jesus Vallejo.
Marcelo (LB)
The Brazilian star should complete the backline for the capital club, having not featured in the midweek clash against Fuenlabrada.
Luka Modric (CM)
The former Tottenham midfielder is one of the best in the game and will start in the middle of the park against Athletic Bilbao.
Casemiro (CM)
At the base of the midfield, Brazil international Casemiro is a permanent fixture for the Galacticos. All set to make his 12th league appearance of the season.
Toni Kroos (CM)
Completing the central midfield trio for Zidane’s side should be German midfielder Toni Kroos. Will have a major role to play if Madrid are to get all points on Saturday.
Isco (CAM)
In the hole behind the strikers, former Malaga man Isco should get the nod. The 25-year old has scored 5 and assisted 4 so far in all competitions and will want to add more.
Karim Benzema (ST)
Scored only his second goal of the league season this past weekend against Malaga and will be hoping to build upon it and get back into form.
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST)
The Portuguese maverick has struggled to find the back of the net in the La Liga this season. But having scored the winner against Malaga, he will look to go on a consistent goal-scoring run.