Eduardo Camavinga should start but Casemiro and Ferland Mendy are ruled out as Real Madrid get set to face Sevilla in a crucial La Liga clash.
Real Madrid will look to take another step towards lifting the La Liga title when they lock horns with third-placed Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday night.
Leading up to the game, manager Carlo Ancelotti has had to deal with a few injury setbacks as both his senior left-backs, Ferland Mendy and Marcelo, are ruled out. Luka Jovic also misses out with a fresh injury while Eden Hazard remains out on the sidelines. In addition, Dani Ceballos and Jesus Vallejo are also unavailable due to coronavirus.
Sevilla vs Real Madrid Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“I see us as being in a pretty good situation. We’ll be without Marcelo and Mendy in this game. They’re not major issues. The team is in good shape in terms of fitness and we’ve seen that in all of our games, such as the period of extra time against Chelsea,” Ancelotti said in his pre-match presser on Saturday.
There is some good news for Real Madrid, though, as Eder Militao is back in contention after missing the midweek game against Chelsea with a suspension. He should walk right back into the starting lineup, partnering with David Alaba at the heart of the Merengues’ defence. Lucas Vazquez should replace Dani Carvajal at right-back, while Nacho gets a look-in at left-back in Mendy and Marcelo’s absence.
Moving into the midfield department, Real Madrid will be without mainstay Casemiro, who is suspended for the game due to the accumulation of yellow cards. The Brazilian’s absence should pave the way for Eduardo Camavinga to get a starting berth against Sevilla on Sunday.
“Eduardo is continually progressing. He’s got a lot of quality and is improving. He’s contributing a great deal. He sometimes struggled a little bit more when he was starting games. He now has more confidence and personality. He brings a lot of energy in the middle third and made all of the difference in the games against Chelsea and PSG. He’s improving very quickly,” Ancelotti said, praising the Frenchman.
Camavinga should slot in as the left-sided central midfielder, with Federico Valverde occupying the No. 6 role in Casemiro’s absence. Luka Modric, who was brilliant against Real Madrid in midweek, should keep his spot in the lineup, meaning Toni Kroos could drop out of the starting XI after a few underwhelming displays.
As for the attacking unit, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are certain starters in two of the three slots in the final third of the pitch. Rodrygo Goes should get the nod on the right flank ahead of Marco Asensio due to the Brazilian’s work rate.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Nacho, Modric, Valverde, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius.
