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Coentrão And Isco Starts – Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Line-Up To Face Osasuna

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After their Celta Vigo clash got postponed last weekend, La Liga leaders Real Madrid now have 2 games in hand, and they can extend their lead on top of the log to 7 points if they win both games.

But for now, they need to at least keep their 1 point lead over Barcelona intact when their Spanish top-flight campaign resumes this weekend with a visit to El Sadar to meet Osasuna, in a clash of teams directly on both opposing ends of the table.

Los Blancos ran out 5-2 winners in their first La Liga meeting back in September, and should also stroll to easy victory against a Segunda division-bound side that has conceded most league goals (46) this season and won just a single game of their 21 fixtures.

With their Champions League clash against Napoli on Wednesday in mind, Zidane could name a lineup consisting regular and 2nd string squad members like this against Osasuna:

Formation : 4-3-3

GK – Casilla

The 2nd choice goalie has made just 6 La Liga appearances this term, but was a regular in the Copa del Rey before the team’s exit.

He could be manning the goal on Saturday with Navas given the rest ahead of Napoli’s visit.

LB – Coentrão

Since the Portuguese returned from his loan term, he is yet to start a league game for Madrid, with his only action coming off the bench.

But with Marcelo likely to get rested for Wednesday’s game after he attained full fitness, he might get a nod to taste action.

CB – Pepe

The centre-half has also returned to training and would be in the squad to face Osasuna.

Having played just 8 Liga games this term, he could be getting a start on Saturday with Ramos likely to be handed a rest.

CB – Varane

The French defender has a lot in the tank to go all the way playing every game of the season and should be making his 16th start of the season against the minnows.

RB – Danilo

As a precautionary measure, Daniel Carvajal won’t be travelling to Pamplona on Saturday, and in his stead, the Brazilian fullback with continue at the right of Madrid’s defence.

He would hope to put in an impressive performance after some questionable displays this season.

LM – Isco

The midfield should undergo changes for weekend’s encounter, and with Modric still unavailable and James not travelling with the squad, the Spaniard midfielder should be getting a chance to make his 10th start of the season having been largely used as a fringe player thus far.

CM – Kovacic

In the middle, the young Croat could be drafted in place of Casemiro, and he has hardly put in a wrong foot wherever he’s deployed in the Madrid’s midfield this term.

RM – Asensio

The youngster is another primary sub who could be handled a start against Osasuna.

The 21-year-old has started 5 La Liga games and appeared 8 other times as a sub with 2 goals to his name so far.

LW – Ronaldo

The Portuguese would likely make way earlier in the game if he starts, and Zidane would hope he adds to his 13 La Liga goals and help wrap up victory early enough in order to withdraw him to get rest for the Napoli clash.

CF – Morata

Despite being firmly behind Benzema in the pecking order, the Spaniard has scored one more goal (6) in lesser minutes (659) than his French counterpart.

He would likely get the nod ahead of Benzema, and perhaps an hat-trick would see him convince Zidane of being worthy of starting on Wednesday.

RW – Vázquez

With Bale still out, the Spain international continues to enjoy a lot of playing time and that could be the case on Saturday too.