Predicted Real Madrid Line-up To Face Leganes In La Liga
Real Madrid will face off against a lowly Leganes at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend, as they look to bridge the gap to second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane’s Galacticos are 3rd in the La Liga table, 4 points behind their neighbours, who have played a game more. Saturday’s encounter against 15th-placed Leganes will provide them with a great opportunity to close the gap between themselves and Atleti and put pressure on their derby rivals as the race for second place heats up.
Real come into the game on the back of a 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League and Zidane is likely to rest some of his heavy-hitters for the weekend’s game ahead of the second leg tie against the German champions next midweek.
Probable Real Madrid XI
Manager: Zinedine Zidane
Formation: 4-4-2
Keylor Navas (GK)
The Costa Rican international has been consistently solid between the sticks for the Spanish giants this term but made a mistake in the game against Bayern. Will look to bounce back strongly.
Achraf Hakimi (RB)
The young right-back hasn’t had a lot of game time but with Dani Carvajal’s fitness concerns ahead the big game coming up next week, he is likely to be given the nod on Saturday.
Raphael Varane (CB)
The Frenchman hasn’t been at the top of his game consistently. Will want to end the season on a high.
Sergio Ramos (CB)
The club captain, Sergio Ramos is an extremely influential presence on the field with his volumes of experience and leadership abilities.
Theo Hernandez (LB)
With the Bayern game in view, Zidane might look to give senior left-back Marcelo a breather, which would see summer signing Theo Hernandez get a start.
Lucas Vazquez (RW)
The Spanish international has really grown into prominence in recent months for the Los Blancos with his incisive performances from the right flank.
Casemiro (CM)
The Brazilian midfield enforcer will be tasked with sitting in the middle and breaking up any attack that Leganes might look to mount.
Mateo Kovacic (CM)
The Croatian international has been impressive each time he has been given an opportunity by the manager. Will be keen on making a mark, with a solid performance on Saturday.
Marco Asensio (LW)
The Spaniard has been a bright spark for Madrid this season. Scored a goal against Bayern, coming on from the bench. Will be high on confidence.
Gareth Bale (ST)
The Welsh attacker was left on the bench for the big game during the midweek. Will want to prove a point and stake a claim for a starting berth in the second leg.
Karim Benzema (ST)
Another player who wasn’t a part of the starting XI at the Allianz Arena, the game against Leganes will provide Karim Benzema with a great opportunity to rediscover his goal-scoring touch.