Mariano Diaz will return to the starting lineup when Real Madrid and Getafe face off at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Real Madrid will aim to build some momentum ahead of the return leg against Manchester City when they welcome Getafe to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday evening. And Carlo Ancelotti has a near-full-strength squad at his disposal ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Ferland Mendy has recovered from his muscle injury and should be available for selection soon. So the reigning La Liga champions do not have any player on the sidelines this weekend. But Carlo Ancelotti has picked a largely second-string squad, resting several pivotal figures.
These include Karim Benzema, Rodrygo Goes, and David Alaba. Meanwhile, Mendy also remains out of the squad, with several fringe players likely to have the opportunity to make their marks. And Ancelotti spoke about the framework of the starting lineup against Getafe during his pre-match press conference.
The Italian tactician said, “Courtois will play tomorrow, as will Vini. I don’t know whether they will start, but everyone who is available will play. It’s going to be a competitive lineup. I won’t take any risks because we have players who are fresh.”
Real Madrid vs Getafe Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
“Tomorrow’s game is going to be tough against opposition who are fighting not to go down, it’ll be a demanding clash and we need freshness and energy. Tomorrow’s team will be fresh and full of energy.”
Ancelotti also discussed the players who have struggled with fitness issues lately, saying, “We’re in pretty good shape. We have some doubts over some players who picked up knocks on Tuesday’s game and still haven’t recovered fully, like Benzema, Alaba and Rodrygo. Mendy and Ceballos are coming back, they’re back 100% now. We’ll assess the other three tomorrow. The team is in good shape, motivated and hungry to win.”
With Benzema unavailable and Eden Hazard unlikely to start, Mariano Diaz will spearhead the Real Madrid attack. Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio will join Mariano in the final third, with Hazard being an option on the bench.
As for the midfield unit, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos will return to the starting lineup. So Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will earn some rest ahead of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City. And Federico Valverde will join Ceballos and Tchouameni in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, the defensive unit will have an entirely new look on Saturday. Nacho and Jesus Vallejo will form the central defensive partnership, with Lucas Vazquez and Alvaro Odriozola featuring as the full-backs. Finally, Thibaut Courtois will take his spot between the sticks this weekend.
Predicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Vallejo, Nacho, Odriozola; Valverde, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Asensio, Mariano, Vinicius Jr.
