Real Madrid all but sealed this season’s La Liga title by beating Barcelona last time out, but there’s still some work to do to definitely secure the silverware for 2023/24.
Jude Bellingham was at it again with a late winner in El Clasico, having downed Barca in their first meeting earlier in the season. But manager Carlo Ancelotti will have to make do without the England international on Friday night when they battle Real Sociedad.
Los Blancos will need others to step up in his absence against a Sociedad outfit that are unbeaten in their last five games with three wins.
Here’s how Madrid could line up for the clash on Friday night.
Madrid won El Clasico last time out / SOPA Images/GettyImages
GK: Andriy Lunin – The Ukrainian spent loan spells with Leganes, Real Valladolid and Oviedo but has shown he can hang at the highest level in Thibaut Courtois’ injury enforced absence.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Emerged as an unlikely hero in the Clasico triumph last week with a goal and an assist, being called a “f*****g legend” by Bellingham for his contribution.
CB: Eder Militao – Yet to make a start since returning from his long-term injury but now could be the time to begin getting significant minutes into the Brazilian’s legs.
CB: Nacho Fernandez – A rest could be handed to Antonio Rudiger which could see club captain Nacho, whose contract expires this summer, included in the starting XI.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga – Ferland Mendy won’t travel with Madrid squad due to muscle fatigue so the versatile Camavinga or youngster Fran Garcia may fill in at left-back.
CM: Federico Valverde – One of the cleanest ball strikers in world football, Valverde’s indefatigable approach remains as pivotal as ever to Ancelotti and Madrid.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Fared well in central defence alongside Rudiger in El Clasico but may be allowed to sit in front of the back four as the midfield enforcer.
CM: Luka Modric – Toni Kroos has dominated the midfield minutes for Madrid’s two legendary stalwarts but Modric’s bustling display against Barca could be rewarded with a 15th league start this season.
AM: Brahim Diaz – Bellingham’s absence means there’s another chance for Diaz, who has contributed five goals and three assists in La Liga in 2023/24.
ST: Joselu – The 34-year-old has proved to be an astute pick-up for Madrid, though he’ll be keen to end a run of seven games without a goal on Friday night.
ST: Rodrygo – Compatriot Vinicius Junior could be allowed a rest, leaving Rodrygo with plenty of pressing to do up front.
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