Andriy Lunin is set to replace Thibaut Courtois while Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga should start when Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Real Madrid will be aiming to continue their winning run when they lock horns with local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday night.
Heading up into the game, Real Madrid will be without six first-team players, as Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, David Alaba, Isco, Dani Ceballos and Marcelo are all ruled out due to injury and fitness concerns. In addition, manager Carlo Ancelotti has also confirmed that he will rest goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Sunday.
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Speaking in his pre-match presser, Ancelotti said: “The team is in good shape. We have some doubts over players who haven’t recovered. We’ve had two days off, we’ll try and get the best out of the team. Lunin will play tomorrow because I want to give Courtois a break. Alaba, Hazard, Bale and Isco are out but they’ll be back following tomorrow’s game.”
As confirmed by the manager, Andriy Lunin is set to replace Courtois in goal. Nacho should continue to partner Eder Militao at the heart of the Real Madrid defence in the absence of Alaba. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy ought to be the full-backs for the newly-crowned La Liga champions for the derby.
Moving into the middle of the park, Ancelotti has no shortage of options. But, Toni Kroos has looked a bit off-colour in recent games and could be axed in favour of Eduardo Camavinga, who was brilliant in Real Madrid’s comeback win over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League earlier in the week.
Luka Modric and Casemiro, who were subbed off in the second half against the Cityzens, should retain their places in midfield for Los Blancos against Diego Simeone’s side at the Wanda Metropolitano.
As for the attacking trident, Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior are shoo-ins for two of the three spots. The third slot should go to Rodrygo Goes after his stunning impact in the win against Manchester City when he scored twice in two minutes after coming on as a substitute. Federico Valverde will make way for the Brazilian.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Lunin, Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Mendy, Modric, Casemiro, Camavinga, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius.
