Rodrygo, Guler start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against Rayo Vallecano | OneFootball

Real Madrid lock horns with Rayo Vallecano in La Liga later today, hoping to bounce back to winning ways after their midweek debacle.

The Merengues succumbed to a shock 4-2 defeat to SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League in Lisbon earlier this week, which cost them a top-eight finish.

Given the disappointing display and the result, it is almost certain that the players will be greeted with a hostile reception at the Santiago Bernabeu later today and a strong performance will be needed from Real Madrid.

Moreover, with FC Barcelona winning their match against Elche on Saturday, Los Blancos are four points behind the leaders and must win to stay in touch at the top of the table.

Alvaro Arbeloa has not welcomed any new players back to the squad, with Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold not being called up despite training with the team. Eder Militao, on the other hand, remains injured.

Rayo Vallecano managed to hold Real Madrid to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture back in November. Here’s how Arbeloa could set his team up with the aim of securing all three points today.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois has been one of very few Real Madrid players who has not let his performances drop below the standards required. He is a guaranteed starter between the sticks against Rayo Vallecano.

Meanwhile, there are unlikely to be any rotations in defence, given the lack of options. As such, Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen will form the centre-back pairing once again, but will need to tighten things up at the back.

Federico Valverde ought to continue on the right side of the defence, with Dani Carvajal still not seemingly ready to start matches. On the opposite flank, Alvaro Carreras should keep hold of his place in the lineup.

Midfield

Guler set to start again. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The midfield department has failed to perform as per expectations this season, which has been a big reason behind Real Madrid’s inconsistent performances.

However, Arbeloa is unlikely to make any drastic changes for today’s game, with Aurelien Tchouameni expected to start as the defensive midfielder and act as a screen for the backline.

Meanwhile, Arda Guler, who reacted angrily after being substituted against Benfica earlier this week, is likely to retain his place in the starting XI. He will be key to creating chances for the team in the final third of the pitch.

Jude Bellingham will be the third midfielder for Real Madrid and will need to step up in a huge way after a rather listless display against Benfica that has drawn sharp criticism from fans.

Attack

Moving into the final third of the pitch, Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s top goalscorer this season, is a guaranteed starter as the centre-forward.

Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. is also pretty much a permanent fixture in the team under Arbeloa, although the Brazilian needs to up his game amid criticism from the home supporters.

With Franco Mastantuono struggling against Benfica, there will be a change on the right flank today. Rodrygo Goes, who has recovered from his fitness problem, ought to get the nod against Rayo Vallecano, ahead of Brahim Diaz.