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Vazquez Returns – Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Line-Up To Face Real Sociedad

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Current La Liga leaders Real Madrid will look to get back to winning ways as they clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the league.

Madrid lost for the first time this season two weeks ago, with a 1-2 defeat at the hands of second-placed Sevilla. They were able to bounce back from that performance with a 2-1 victory over lowly Malaga last Saturday at home. However, an exit from Copa Del Rey against Celta Vigo seems to have dented the confidence in the dressing room. The Los Blancos have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, however, they are unbeaten in their last 15 home league games and will hope to continue that streak.

And with injuries keeping key men out, Zidane will have to count on his lesser used squad members to bounce back from the Copa exit earlier this week. Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Luka Modric and Marcelo are all ruled out of the weekend’s game whereas Raphael Varane and James Rodriguez will be assessed close to the kick-off.

Here we take a look at the most likely playing XI that will take the field against Sociedad on Sunday:

Formation: 4-3-3

Keylor Navas (GK)

The Costa Rican has had a few nervy moments in recent weeks and has failed to keep a clean sheet in Madrid’s previous two Liga encounters. However, he still remains the first-choice ahead of Kiko Casilla and will start on Sunday.

Danilo (RB)

The Brazilian right-back has been terrible in his recent outings for Madrid, with people terming him the eleven-time Champions League winners’ worst signing ever. But with Carvajal out injured, he will hold on to his place.

Casemiro (CB)

Image result for Casemiro 2016-17

The midfielder filled in at centre-back in the midweek Copa clash against Celta and was very unconvincing. But with Varane’s fitness still to be assessed, he is likely to feature in the heart of the defence again.

Sergio Ramos (CB)

The Madrid captain is the only fit first-choice defender available for Zidane and he will be looking to put in another impressive performance like his heroics against Malaga last weekend when he scored twice for his team.

Nacho (LB)

The Spaniard has been impressive each time when called upon to fill in the holes in defence for Madrid and with Marcelo’s continued absence, he will take the field on Sunday.

Toni Kroos (CM)

The German is a vital presence for the Galacticos in the middle of the park, as he is the one who keeps it ticking for them. The calmness and the composure he brings to the side will be much needed on Sunday.

Mateo Kovacic (CM)

With Modric injured, Kovacic will get a longer run in the side. While he hasn’t done anything spectacular for Madrid till date, he brings an assured presence in the midfield.

Image result for Mateo Kovacic 2016-17

Isco (CM)

Isco hasn’t been used regularly by Zidane this term, but with Casemiro moving into the defence, that opens up a space in the midfield for the Spaniard with question marks over James’ fitness.

Lucas Vazquez (RW)

Scored a late equalizer for Madrid against Celta to spare his team the blushes after coming on as a substitute. Should feature from the get-go on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo (LW)

The Portuguese and Madrid star has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks, having found the goal post more than he has found the back of the net. His form seems to be on the downslide, but still remains a vital figure for the Madridistas.

Karim Benzema (ST)

Benzema too has struggled to find the net with consistency this season. There is no questioning the amount of work he puts in for his team, but the lethal edge in front of goal has been found wanting and his manager will be hoping he rediscovers it on Sunday.