Real Madrid must beat Osasuna on Saturday to keep the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have fallen eight points behind but can close that gap to five when they face Osasuna, 24 hours before Barcelona are in action against Cadiz.
It’s a must-win game for Real, so here’s how Ancelotti could set up.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Ancelotti has already confirmed that Courtois will make his return from injury here, with Andriy Lunin set to drop to the bench.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Lucas Vazquez is back on the bench but probably isn’t fit enough to pose any real threat to Carvajal just yet.
CB: Eder Militao – Militao made his return from injury against Elche and looks fit enough to keep going.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Benched for the Elche victory, expect Rudiger to return to the starting lineup here.
LB: David Alaba – Alaba may not enjoy life out on the left too much, but with Ferland Mendy injured and Eduardo Camavinga needed for cover elsewhere. the Austrian may have to suffer through another shift out wide.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Another who was rested against Elche, Tchouameni will be fit and raring to go for this one.
CM: Dani Ceballos – Fan opinion is almost unanimous in agreeing that Ceballos deserves a new contract. He’s been sensational over the past few months.
CM: Luka Modric – The veteran Modric was afforded a rest against Elche but may be needed to pick apart a stubborn Osasuna defence.
RW: Federico Valverde – This inverted winger role appears to suit Valverde, who is fighting his way back to top form after a slow start to 2023.
ST: Karim Benzema – Scoring against Osasuna isn’t easy but if anyone can do it, it’s Benzema.
LW: Vinicius Junior – The winger has served his suspension and will samba his way straight back into the starting lineup.
Credit: 90min.com
