Real Madrid’s predicted line up against Girona, as the Los Blancos try and get their second win of the season under their new manager
Real Madrid kicked off their post-Zidane La Liga season with a 2-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu over Getafe. Dani Carvajal opened the scoring for the Los Blancos after heading a deflected ball into the net. Real went into half-time leading 1-0, after which Gareth Bale found the bottom corner shortly after the half-time break.
Real Madrid will now head into their second game of the season and travel to face Girona on Sunday night, with new boss Julen Lopetegui expected to field a strong XI.
The new manager prefers the 4-2-3-1 formation, which Real fielded in the UEFA Super Cup final and the opening La Liga game against Getafe. Lopetegui is known for operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, just like he did with the Spanish national team.
It will be interesting to see whether Lopetegui opts to hand Thibaut Courtois his Real Madrid debut, but with the Spanish manager preferring Keylor Navas against Atletico and Getafe, the Costa Rican is more likely to start between the sticks.
Sergio Ramos is all set to lead the back-line for the Spanish giants, with Raphael Varane partnering him in the central defense position. The Frenchman is returning to full fitness after winning the World Cup with France in Russia. Dani Carvajal and Marcelo are all set to operate on the flanks, with new signing Alvaro Odriozola expected to get some minutes.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro are also expected to hold crucial positions in Real Madrid’s midfield, just like they did at the Bernabeu against Getafe. Luka Modric is expected to get some game-time, as the Croatian is also returning to full fitness after helping his nation reach the World Cup final in Russia.
Gareth Bale, who bagged a goal and an assist in the opening game, is expected to operate on the right wing, with Marco Asensio, who made an assist in the same game, expected to play on the left flank. Isco is tipped to play as the central attacking midfielder, which is Lopetegui’s preferred position for the Spaniard.
Karim Benzema will be the lone target-man for the Los Blancos, with the Frenchman itching to get his name amongst the scorers, following a poor La Liga season last term.
Julen Lopetegui will also have room to experiment considering that the opposition is Girona, however, with the Catalan side beating Real last season, the Los Blancos will be vary of their threat.
Predicted XI: Keylor Navas/Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Marcelo; Toni Kroos, Casemiro; Gareth Bale, Isco, Marco Asensio; Karim Benzema.
