Trent, Huijsen to start | Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Al-Hilal | OneFootball

The fans at the Hard Rock Stadium shall be in for a treat as Real Madrid begin their Club World Cup campaign against Al-Hilal.

The fixture is expected to draw in a lot of fans, with stars on both sides, but the Spanish side begins the match as clear favourites, and rightfully so.

New editions and some players recovering from injury mean Xabi Alonso has more or less a fully fit squad for this tournament, and he is expected to give even the academy players a chance.

That being said, here is how Real Madrid is expected to line up against Al-Hilal.

Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Al-Hilal

GK: Thibaut Courtois

The Belgian has kept a clean sheet in 15 of the 47 matches this season, and if Real Madrid are to have any chance of winning the CWC, the 33-year-old will have to be at his best.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Arguably, the best right-back in the last few years is raring to go and begin his stint with Los Blancos. He brings a wealth of experience and is expected to be the set-piece taker for Xabi’s side.

CB: Raul Asencio

The 22-year-old was the find of the season for  Madrid and is expected to play a major part in Xabi’s plans. However, it’s unknown if Xabi’s plans change once Antonio Rüdiger is fit. For now, the youngster will try to make this position his own.

CB: Dean Huijsen

Highly rated and with potential to be one of the best, the Merengues triggered Huijsen’s release clause, and understandably so, due to the youngster’s ability to play with both feet and his ability to look calm and composed under pressure.

LB: Fran Garcia

Still not the preferred starter as Real Madrid have targeted Alvaro Carreras, Fran is expected to fight for his place at the club and would be eager to show Xabi that he’s here to stay.

RM: Arda Guler

The young lad from Turkey showed his class towards the end of the La Liga campaign, and he is expected to get more playing time under Xabi. He has the ability to play the role Florian Wirtz played at Bayer Leverkusen, making him a player to watch out for.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni

Following a disappointing first half of the season, the Frenchman ended the season on a high and would look to extend his good form and play an integral part in Alonso’s new system.

CM: Fede Valverde

A player who can play in any position and is a workhorse would be wanted by any manager in the world, and Xabi is no different. The Uruguayan’s knack of taking long-range shots and making line-breaking passes means he will be relied upon by the new manager.

LM: Jude Bellingham

The Englishman is expected to get shoulder surgery after the culmination of the CWC, but for now, he will have to run the midfield, like he has throughout the season. The boy from Birmingham will combine with Vinicius on the left flank, and the duo can wreak havoc against João Cancelo, whom they’ll be up against.

ST: Vinicius Junior

Following an underwhelming season, the Brazilian will look to return to his Ballon d’Or-worthy form because once the 24-year-old is on song, Real Madrid would be an unstoppable force in Europe.

ST: Kylian Mbappe

His presence in the lineup is a doubt due to a fever, but Madrid will take a call on his selection on the match day. The French striker has had a dream start at the Spanish club, having scored 43 goals in 56 matches and is in line to score 50 – and will be the second player after Cristiano Ronaldo to do so, who has breached the 50-goal record 5 times at the club.