Real Madrid will aim to continue their perfect start to the season when they host Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday....CONTINUE READING
Los Blancos are sitting pretty at the top of the table, having won each of their opening six games. They saw off cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 before the international break, making it nine wins in all competitions since the start of the new campaign.
Real Madrid have received a timely injury boost, as Karim Benzema has returned to training ahead of the clash with Osasuna. Having missed the last three games, Benzema appears to have recovered from his muscle problem and could be on the bench.
But the Frenchman’s return could be offset by the news that Lucas Vazquez has been ruled out for the game against Osasuna while Luka Modric will also be unavailable for selection after suffering a knock while on international duty.
There is no looking past Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real Madrid. The Belgian has been in great form over the last couple of years and deserves to keep his place in the team.
In front of Courtois, Ancelotti could retain the back four that started in the Madrid derby, i.e. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. Militao will continue his partnership with Alaba in central defence, while Carvajal and Mendy take up the full-back slots in the Real Madrid lineup.
The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez and Alvaro Odriozola will be solid defensive options to call upon from the bench if required.
Luka Modric’s injury absence is a big blow for Real Madrid, but Ancelotti has plenty of options to select from in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga becomes the natural choice to replace Modric in the Real Madrid lineup, thus, joining Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni in the Real engine room.
With Tchouameni reprising his No.6 role, Camavinga and Kroos will be responsible for getting forward and creating meaningful openings for their teammates in the final third.
Karim Benzema’s return to fitness ahead of a hectic October schedule is a massive boost for Los Blancos. However, Ancelotti might choose to play it safe and start the French marksman on the bench.
This means a front three of Fede Valverde, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. could start against Osasuna.
