Predicted Real Madrid Line-up To Face Real Betis In The La Liga
Real Madrid will look to close down the gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona, when they take on Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu, on Wednesday night.
The Galacticos are currently sitting in the fourth place in the La Liga table, 4 points behind their arch rivals Barca and the gap could increase to seven points before Madrid kick-off, as the Catalans are scheduled to play on Tuesday night. Manager Zinedine Zidane would not be wanting to let the gap grow between the two sides this early into the season. Confidence will be high in the ranks, following their 3-1 win over Real Sociedad over the weekend.
Team News
The big news is that Cristiano Ronaldo’s five-match domestic ban ends and he will be returning to the fold for Wednesday’s clash. Marcelo too is back after serving his one-game suspension. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic and striker Karim Benzema are the only absentees for Los Blancos.
Here’s how Madrid could take the field against Betis:
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Keylor Navas (GK)
Was culpable for the only goal Madrid conceded against Sociedad this weekend and will want to avoid making such mistakes.
Dani Carvajal (RB)
With no proper backup for Madrid at right-back, the Spaniard, who recently signed a new contract, should continue to feature from the kick-off.
Nacho (CB)
With Raphael Varane only recently returning from injury, we could see Zidane use Nacho at centre-back so as to not start his countryman in two games in space of three days.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The captain is one of the most important players for Real on the pitch and will start alongside Nacho at the heart of the defence.
Marcelo (LB)
While Theo Hernandez put in a stellar display at the weekend, he did seem to pick up a knock towards the end. And with Marcelo back in contention, he should reclaim his place in the starting XI.
Dani Ceballos (CM)
The summer signing is yet to start a single game for his new club and that could change on Wednesday, when they take on his former club Real Betis. Luka Modric is likely to be rested.
Casemiro (DM)
The Brazilian defensive midfielder has grown into one of the best in his positions in the last couple of seasons. Should retain his place in the playing XI.
Toni Kroos (CM)
The German did not play a part in the game against Sociedad over the weekend and should come into the line-up for Wednesday’s encounter.
Isco (CAM)
Has grown leaps and bounds in the past year or so and is arguably one of the brightest young playmakers in the game. Should operate in the hole behind the two frontmen.
Gareth Bale (ST)
The Welshman put in a performance to silence his critics, scoring a fine goal against Sociedad over the weekend. Should keep his place at the top of the attacking line.
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST)
The Portuguese maverick is back from suspension and should straight away walk into the starting line-up. Expect him to mark his return with a goal or two. Unlucky Borja Mayoral could miss out.