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

It is the dawn of a new era at Real Madrid today as they get set to play their first match under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, facing Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.

The Merengues sacked Xabi Alonso earlier this week, following their return from Saudi Arabia empty-handed, having lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona.

Arbeloa, who had done a solid job with the Castilla team so far this season, has now been handed the first-team reins and the former defender will be eager to make a mark.

The 42-year-old tactician is known to set his teams up in a 4-3-3 formation that try to play a high-pressing style of football, although, given that he has only had one training session with the team so far, there is unlikely to be a ‘revolution’ right away.

Moreover, Real Madrid are likely to be without some important players for the match. Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo Goes, and Antonio Rudiger did not train with the team on Tuesday and are unlikely to be risked due to their fitness troubles.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao are out injured while Federico Valverde is also likely to miss the game due to physical issues.

With that in mind, here’s how Real Madrid could take the field in their first match of the Arbeloa era against Albacete later tonight.

Defence

As is the norm for the cup competition, Andriy Lunin is expected to replace Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real Madrid tonight, hoping to secure a clean sheet against the lower league club.

Meanwhile, in defence, academy graduate David Jimenez could be in line to start at right-back, with Dani Carvajal needing his minutes managed after only returning from an injury and Fede Valverde also in need of a breather.

On the opposite side, Fran Garcia should replace Alvaro Carreras, providing the new signing with a well-deserved break.

David Jimenez to start at right-back? (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen should continue as the centre-back pairing for the Spanish capital club.

Midfield

Arbeloa likes to play with a single pivot in midfield, and prefers a player who can not only thwart attacks but also carry the ball forward. So, Eduardo Camavinga might have a proper shot at establishing himself as a starter under the new coach moving forward.

However, for his first game, with little to no time to get his ideas across, Arbeloa is likely to continue with Aurelien Tchouameni, who had been excellent under Xabi Alonso, as his pivot midfielder.

Arda Guler, who has seen his form and minutes somewhat dwindle in recent games, is likely to get a starting opportunity in the middle of the park. He will hope to make a big impression on the new coach with a strong performance.

Jude Bellingham is likely to be the third midfielder for Real Madrid and it will be interesting to see how Arbeloa plans to use the Englishman in his tactical setup.

Attack

Up top, Gonzalo Garcia is set to start as the centre-forward for Real Madrid tonight, with Kylian Mbappe unlikely to be risked after his hurried return in the Super Cup final.

Vinicius Jr. finished the last game against Barcelona cramping up and exhausted. But, with there being no injury, he is likely to start and build on his strong performance in the Super Cup final despite the loss.

Finally, Franco Mastantuono should be in line for a rare starting opportunity on the right flank in attack, having not played much since returning from his pubalgia issues.