Luka Modric is set to return while Eden Hazard is also in contention to feature when Real Madrid face off against Real Betis in La Liga this weekend.
Real Madrid will be hoping to keep up the pace with La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid when they lock horns with top six hopefuls Real Betis at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Saturday night.
Heading into the game, Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been handed a couple of injury boosts as Luka Modric is back in the squad after missing the last game against Cadiz while Eden Hazard has recovered enough to be involved as well. However, the likes of Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Sergio Ramos, Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy remain sidelined for the Merengues.
“Kroos is going to be out and Modric is back. One piece of bad news and one piece of good news. Hazard is in the squad, another piece of good news,” Zidane said on the eve of the game. With the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea looming, the manager will have an eye on that game while selecting his team on Saturday.
Real Madrid vs Real Betis Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Thibaut Courtois, who has enjoyed another impressive season in goal for Real Madrid, should continue in the lineup, while Zidane could go in with the same three-man defensive unit of Eder Militao, Raphael Varane and Nacho that performed exceedingly well in the midweek clash.
Dani Carvajal made his return from injury, coming on as a substitute against Cadiz. However, he is unlikely to start here either, with the manager holding him back for the Chelsea clash. Instead, Alvaro Odriozola should once again get the nod as the right wing-back while Marcelo continues on the left side in the absence of Mendy.
While youngster Antonio Blanco gave a very solid account of himself in his first start earlier this week, the return of Modric should see the veteran get the nod ahead of the academy man against Real Betis. Partnering him in the centre of the park should be Casemiro, with Isco likely to be used in the latter stages of the game as a substitute.
Karim Benzema was the architect of Real Madrid’s win over Cadiz in midweek and should continue to spearhead the attack against Real Betis. Vinicius Junior has also been in good nick of late which ought to make him a guaranteed starter out on the left-wing for the Merengues.
On the opposite flank, though, there could be a change on the cards, with Marco Asensio set to step into the lineup at the expense of Rodrygo Goes. Eden Hazard, given his long-standing fitness issues, is likely to be eased back into action and may play a part as a substitute late in the game.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Militao, Varane, Nacho; Odriozola, Modric, Casemiro, Marcelo; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius Junior.
