Real Madrid will play one of the biggest games of their season so far on Wednesday when they lock horns with Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup.
Los Blancos head into the game on the back of a good run of form, with their most recent match ending in a 3-1 win over Arandina in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.
Real Madrid have lost just one game so far this season, which happened to come against Diego Simeone’s Atletico. As such, they will be wary heading into tomorrow’s contest in Riyadh, although the recent return of several injured players is a major boost.
Real Madrid, though, continue to be without the services of Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Lucas Vazquez.
A victory tomorrow would set up a final date with one of Barcelona or Osasuna. And, heading into the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti will have some interesting decisions to make with regard to his starting lineup.
Here’s how the Italian tactician could set his Real Madrid team up to face Atletico in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
One of the biggest decisions that Carlo Ancelotti has to take is his starting goalkeeper. Kepa Arrizabalaga started the Copa del Rey tie against Arandina, but Andriy Lunin is expected to return to the side, having performed exceedingly well in recent months.
Star defender Antonio Rudiger is bound to return to the starting XI at the heart of the defence, partnering up with captain Nacho Fernandez. Meanwhile, there is no looking past Dani Carvajal in the right-back slot.
Ferland Mendy has returned to the squad after yet another stint on the sidelines. But considering that he is only coming back, Fran Garcia is likely to get the nod at left-back, although the possibility of Ancelotti utilising Eduardo Camavinga in the role also exists.
But, for tomorrow, Camavinga is expected to slot in as the defensive midfielder in Real Madrid’s diamond midfield setup ahead of his compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni.
Meanwhile, the duo of Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos should continue as the interior midfielders after forging a brilliant partnership in recent matches. It would mean Luka Modric will miss out of the starting lineup.
Jude Bellingham is an undisputed starter in the attacking midfield position for Real Madrid and will be eager to make a big contribution to help his team across the line against Atleti.
The Br azilian duo of Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. will form the attacking unit for the Merengues, with the former being in fine touch of late.
Brahim Diaz has been in good nick in recent games and will be one of the first names called on from the bench by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Luka Modric is another player that is bound to get some minutes in the derby tomorrow. Aurelien Tchouameni could be asked to come in if there is an emergency in the centre-back department or to give someone in midfield a breather.
Joselu and Dani Ceballos could also be in line to get some action off the bench.