Camavinga, Mastantuono start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against Villarreal | OneFootball

Estadio de la Ceramica will be the stage for one of the most intriguing fixtures of the La Liga weekend, as Villarreal host Real Madrid on Saturday night. 

With the title race already heating up, this clash could have major consequences at the top end of the table.

Real Madrid head into the match sitting second in La Liga, just one point behind leaders Barcelona. 

Villarreal, meanwhile, occupy third place and are eight points off the summit, although they still have a game in hand. 

Los Blancos arrive in excellent form following a dominant 6–1 victory over AS Monaco in the Champions League. 

That result pushed Real Madrid up to third place in the European standings and left them firmly on course for qualification to the knockout stages. 

As such, history also favours the visitors because Real Madrid have lost only six of their last 54 matches against Villarreal across all competitions. 

Earlier this season, Madrid also claimed a convincing 3–1 victory in the reverse fixture, which will give them added belief heading into Saturday’s clash.

With that in mind, attention now turns to how manager Alvaro Arbeloa could set his team up for this demanding away game.

Defence: Makeshift but functional

Valverde will start at the right-back position. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

In goal, there is no debate. Thibaut Courtois remains an automatic starter and continues to be one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football. 

There is no reason for Arbeloa to consider any change between the posts.

The real challenge comes in defence, where Real Madrid are dealing with a significant injury list. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy are all unavailable, leaving Arbeloa with limited options.

Although Dani Carvajal is fit, the feeling is that the veteran may be rested. As a result, Federico Valverde is expected to continue at right-back, a role he has handled impressively in recent weeks.

At centre-back, the lack of alternatives means Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen are likely to start together once again. 

On the left, Alvaro Carreras should complete the back four.

Midfield: Balance and creativity

The midfield will also see a forced change, as Aurelien Tchouaméni is suspended for this match. 

Ccamavinga will have a big role to play. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His absence leaves a hole in the holding role, but Real Madrid are well covered.

Eduardo Camavinga is the most likely candidate to step in, offering energy, defensive awareness, and the ability to progress the ball quickly. 

Alongside him, creativity will be key, with Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham expected to occupy the remaining midfield spots. 

Bellingham’s late runs into the box could be decisive against a Villarreal side that often leaves space centrally.

Attack: A settled front three

Up front, Arbeloa appears keen to maintain continuity. Franco Mastantuono is beginning to rediscover his best form, and the coaching staff are eager to keep him involved.

Rodrygo has only just returned to training, making a start highly unlikely, while Brahim Diaz has only recently come back from the Africa Cup of Nations and has had limited time to work under Arbeloa.

As a result, the front line should feature Mastantuono alongside Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., a trio capable of causing serious problems for Villarreal’s defence with pace, movement, and directness.