Probable Real Madrid Lineup To Face Manchester City In The Pre-Season Fixture
Zinedine Zidane managed to create history in his first full season at the Bernabeu as he helped Real Madrid to their 12th Champions League title to add to the League title last season. But they cannot rest on their laurels of the previous season as the new campaign is fast approaching.
The Champions of Europe start their pre-season tour with a crackling match against Manchester United. Los Blancos face the Red Devils on the 23rd of July at the Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara in their first game of the pre-season. Zidane is expected to use most of his youngsters for this tie and here is the prediction of the lineup that he might field.
Team News
Up to 8 youth players have been included in the squad. The likes of Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo are all missing from the squad, along with Pepe and James Rodriguez who have departed the club.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla, Yáñez and Luca Zidane
Defenders: Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Theo, Danilo, Quezada, Tejero, Achraf and Manu Hernando.
Midfielders: Kroos, Casemiro, Modric, Isco, Kovacic, Óscar and Franchu.
Forwards: Benzema, Bale, Lucas Vázquez, Morata and Dani Gómez.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
19-year old Luca Zidane has finally been named in the first team and Zidane Sr might be tempted to give him a shot, keeping Casilla and Yanez on the bench along with Keylor Navas. Newbie Theo Hernandez might be handed a start at left-back while 20-year old Alvaro Tejero, who has been promoted from the youth side, is expected to start at right-back.
Manu Hernando has earned great reviews for his performances last season and he could be handed a start at centre-back while Nacho should partner him at the heart of the defence keeping Raphael Varane on the bench.
Midfield
The lack of holding midfielders might see Zidane go with Casemiro in the starting XI for this tie. He could be the senior most players in starting XI for Real in this game. Mateo Kovacic failed to establish himself in the first team last season but he is expected to start alongside Casemiro in this tie.
Attack
Benzema and Morata are both available but Zidane has travelled with Dani Gomez who was in great form last season. He could lead the attack for Real in this tie. Young Franchu is also expected to feature in the first team and he could start on the left flank for his side.
Lucas Vasquez has travelled with the side and might get his chance to start on the right-hand side of the attack while Oscar Rodriguez, an attacking midfielder, should play the number 10 role to complete a pretty exciting attack for Real Madrid.