Bellingham, Gonzalo start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against Levante | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be looking for their first win under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa when they take on UD Levante in La Liga later today.

The Merengues, having sacked Xabi Alonso last Monday, made the worst possible start under his replacement Arbeloa, losing 3-2 to lower-league side Albacete, leading to their elimination from the Copa del Rey.

Fans are growing frustrated and unhappy with how things have been going and there could be a hostile reception waiting the players today at the Santiago Bernabeu.

As such, a strong performance will be needed, as a win would also allow Real Madrid close down the gap to leaders Barcelona to just one point.

Arbeloa has been boosted by the return of Kylian Mbappe, who was unavailable for the cup tie due to physical discomfort. Moreover, the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, and Alvaro Carreras are back after being rested as well.

However, Andriy Lunin is a fresh casualty for Los Blancos while Antonio Rudiger, Rodrygo Goes, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao remain unavailable.

Here’s how Real Madrid could line up on Arbeloa’s managerial debut in La Liga and at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois is set to reclaim his spot in the Real Madrid goal, after being rested for the cup tie against Albacete. One of the few players who has been performing consistently this season, the Belgian will be aiming to help the team secure all three points.

Meanwhile, youngster David Jimenez is expected to feature as the right-back once again, with Dani Carvajal still lacking rhythm and Federico Valverde not keen playing in the makeshift role despite impressing there.

There will be a change on the left side, with Alvaro Carreras returning to the lineup to replace Fran Garcia. Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen will line up at the heart of the Merengues defence again.

Midfield

Set to return to the lineup. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Alvaro Arbeloa opted to hand Jorge Cestero a start at the base of the midfield for the Copa del Rey game. The youngster is rated highly by the manager and has been named in the squad once again.

However, Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been a permanent fixture in the team for most of this season, is expected to reclaim his place as the defensive midfielder against Levante.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, back after a rest for the Albacete clash, will take up one of the midfield slots.

The Englishman was allegedly one of the key players that was not fully behind Xabi Alonso’s methods at the club – reports he has furiously denied. He will be gunning to step up and help Real Madrid get their season back on track.

Finally, Federico Valverde is expected to slot in as the third midfielder, hoping to improve his performances in his preferred, natural position on the field.

Attack

Vinicius Jr. was very disappointing in the game against Albacete and will need to step up in a huge way today against Levante if Real Madrid are to stand a chance of winning at home.

He will occupy the left flank as usual, while on the opposite side, Arda Guler could get the nod, moving from the midfield to the attacking line, with Franco Mastantuono dropping out after a poor display in the cup tie despite scoring a goal.

Even though Kylian Mbappe is available, a start appears unlikely at this point, with Gonzalo Garcia expected to spearhead the attack for Real Madrid once more.