Militao, Vinicius start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

One of the biggest matches of the La Liga calendar comes our way today as Real Madrid take on neighbours Atletico Madrid away at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

It will be the biggest test of the season so far for Xabi Alonso and his men, who have maintained a perfect record until now, winning six in six in La Liga and their only UEFA Champions League clash.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have not been in the best of form, but come into the game high on confidence after a last-ditch win over Rayo Vallecano. Playing in front of the fired up fans at the Metropolitano will give them a further boost.

Real Madrid go into the game without any fresh injury concerns, and only three players – Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ferland Mendy – remain unavailable for Alonso.

Having made some changes to the lineup for the midweek game against Levante, the Real Madrid boss is expected to recall his heavy-hitters to the team today.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois will continue in goal for Real Madrid and will be in for a hostile reception at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, much like last season, when objects were thrown at him from the stands.

Alvaro Carreras has been a revelation since his arrival in the summer, proving himself as a brilliant acquisition. He will get his first taste of the derby today, although he is expected to revert to his regular position at left-back after playing at centre-back in midweek.

Dani Carvajal, meanwhile, should return at right-back after being rested against Levante. Raul Asencio will be the one dropping out.

Eder Militao should also return to the starting XI, slotting in at centre-back, where he will have the tough task of keeping Julian Alvarez tied down. The Brazilian will have support from youngster Dean Huijsen, playing his first derby.

Midfield

Tchouameni to start, but no Bellingham. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Aurelien Tchouameni was another regular starter who was given a breather in the midweek league fixture. But the Frenchman, one of Alonso’s most trusted lieutenants, should return to the team for the derby.

Jude Bellingham is back from injury and is pushing for a starting berth. But considering how well Federico Valverde and Arda Guler are performing, and the fact that the Englishman has only played for around 30 minutes this season, the latter two are expected to be retained.

Bellingham, along with Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos, will have to wait for their opportunities.

Attack

Franco Mastantuono has been exceptional in his first few matches for Real Madrid and will be gunning to prove himself today in what will be his biggest test thus far.

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe has been in unstoppable form this season and will continue as the centre-forward for Real Madrid, hoping to conquer the Metropolitano and lead his team to a victory.

The third slot in attack will likely be occupied by Vinicius Jr. again after an impressive display vs Levante. The Brazilian, however, must remain calm and focused, and not get distracted by the opposition fans’ taunts.