Carvajal, Gonzalo start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Elche | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be hoping to get within touching distance of league leaders Barcelona when they take on Elche CF later tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengues are currently four points behind the reigning La Liga champions and table-toppers, after dropping points against Osasuna and Getafe.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s men managed to get back on track with a nervy win over Celta Vigo, before thrashing Manchester City 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League, which will have done their confidence a world of good.

However, it must be remembered that Elche had come very close to beating Real Madrid in the reverse fixture, with a late goal from Jude Bellingham salvaging a 2-2 draw for the Spanish giants.

So, it will be anything but easy for Los Blancos tonight, even more so given the number of absentees as well as the possibility of rotation with an eye on Tuesday’s second-leg tie against Manchester City.

Here’s how Arbeloa could set his team up against Eder Sarabia’s Elche outfit tonight at the Bernabeu.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois, whom the manager hailed as the best-ever goalkeeper in Real Madrid history leading up to the game, is expected to continue in goal as usual.

There will be some shuffling around in the defensive line, starting with the right-back slot where captain Dani Carvajal is in line for a rare start, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has become the first choice in the position.

On the opposite flank, Fran Garcia will get the nod in the lineup, considering both Alvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy are unavailable due to injury.

Antonio Rudiger will once again start at centre-back, with Raul Asencio missing out from the squad list due to muscle discomfort. Dean Huijsen will retain his spot at the heart of the Madrid defence.

Midfield

First start for Manuel Angel? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There will be some interesting changes in middle of the park as well, with Arbeloa expected to rest key starters like Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde with an eye on the Manchester City encounter.

It could pave the way for Eduardo Camavinga to start as the defensive midfielder, filling in for his compatriot Tchouameni.

Partnering the Frenchman in the centre of the park is likely to be 21-year-old Castilla captain, Manuel Angel, who will be making his first-ever start for the senior team after featuring three times as a substitute.

Brahim Diaz and young Thiago Pitarch, who has become a regular fixture in the team in recent weeks, ought to take up the wide areas.

The likes of Jorge Cestero and Cesar Palacios will be options off the bench, along with Arda Guler, if things need to be changed.

Attack

Up top, Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. is a guaranteed starter and will be key to the team’s chances of winning on the night. Having missed a penalty against Manchester City, he will be eager to redeem himself.

Partnering with the Brazilian in attack should be Gonzalo Garcia, in the continued absence of other attackers like Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes.