Predicted Real Madrid Line-up To Face Athletic Bilbao In The La Liga
A much-changed Real Madrid side edged past Malaga 2-1 to move 3rd in the La Liga table on Sunday, thanks to goals from Isco and Casemiro.
Following their win over Malaga, the Los Blancos host Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday as they look to close the gap on rivals Atletico Madrid, who are second in the table.
Real’s domestic form this season has been very disappointing but they have excelled in the Champions League and are now the favourites to clinch the coveted trophy for the third time in a row.
A mouthwatering Champions League semi-final tie with Bayern Munich awaits and keeping an eye on the first leg which is slated for next week, Zinedine Zidane should make wholesale changes against Bilbao.
Probable Real Madrid XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Keylor Navas (GK)
Navas has been a permanent fixture in the Real Madrid team but has lacked confidence in the last few games. He needs to pick himself up and perform better.
Achraf Hakimi (RB)
The academy starlet has been promoted to the first-team this term and has performed well whenever he has played.
Jesus Vallejo (CB)
Vallejo’s error saw Diego Rolan score a consolation for Malaga on Sunday but the highly-rated youngster should be given another chance by Zidane.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
Arguably the world’s finest central defender right now, Ramos adds so much solidity and aggression to the Real backline and will have a lot riding on his shoulders on Wednesday.
Theo Hernandez (LB)
At left-back, it should be Theo Hernandez, who has found limited game time since moving to Real from rivals Atletico Madrid last summer.
Casemiro (CM)
Casemiro is now a regular in the Real Madrid midfield due to his ability to screen the defence as well as contribute to attacks. He adds bite to the midfield which Real will probably need against Bilbao.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
Kovacic has been a solid performer each time he has been given a chance by his manager. Should start this game.
Isco (LM)
Isco cast his spell against his former club on Sunday and is likely to be picked again. The Spanish international has everything in his locker to become a world-class playmaker.
Lucas Vazquez (RM)
Vazquez has been a fine player for Real this season. He is neither technically gifted nor is a bulky figure to dominate aerial battles but has something special that gives Real a different dimension to their attack.
Marco Asensio (RS)
Asensio started the season brilliantly for Real but as time passed by, his form faded. However, the starlet has found his feet again and should start on Wednesday.
Karim Benzema (ST)
The French striker has been lacklustre this season but continues to enjoy the full backing of his manager. Benzema will be hoping to score against Bilbao and silence his detractors.