Trent, Mastantuono start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Valencia | OneFootball

Real Madrid will look to stretch their lead at the top of the La Liga table when they face off against Valencia later tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Merengues have a five-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona following their 2-1 win over FC Barcelona last week.

With the Catalans playing on Sunday, Real Madrid have an opportunity to put further pressure on them by beating Valencia and extending their lead.

The Spanish capital club go into the game as overwhelming favourites, given that Los Che are struggling in the 18th place in the table and are without a single win in their previous five league games.

At the same time, manager Xabi Alonso will have an eye on the upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, which could dictate his selection for tonight’s match.

Real Madrid have to make do with two new absences leading up to the match as Dani Carvajal is injured again and Andriy Lunin is suspended for one match after his red card while on the bench against Barcelona.

Here’s how Alonso is likely to set his team up tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu as he pushes for another victory.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois will guard the goal for Real Madrid as usual and hope to secure a clean sheet, after having to failed to do so in the Clasico.

As for the defensive line, there is expected to be a notable change with summer arrival Trent Alexander-Arnold set to replace Federico Valverde, who will be given a breather with an eye on the Liverpool match.

Eder Militao has been simply superb this season, having left his injury ordeals behind, and will be stationed as one of the centre-backs. The Brazilian international will be partnered with Dean Huijsen,

At left-back, there is no looking past Alvaro Carreras, who has been one of the players that the manager has rotated the least this season.

Set to start vs Valencia. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Midfield

Trent’s return at right-back should pave the way for Fede Valverde to start in midfield, but the Uruguayan international is likely to be given a rest.

As such, the midfield unit for Real Madrid tonight against Valencia should comprise of Aurelien Tchouameni as the deepest of the three, while Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham provide the attacking impetus.

Eduardo Camavinga, who was a top performer against Barcelona, will be an option from the bench, along with Dani Ceballos.

Attack

The past few games have seen Franco Mastantuono lose his place in the starting lineup, while his form has also dipped slightly.

As such, the 18-year-old wonderkid will get an opportunity to bounce back tonight against Valencia, starting in his usual role on the right flank.

Vinicius Jr. is expected to hold on to his place in the team despite the whole episode after his substitution during El Clasico. All eyes will certainly be on the Brazilian and his reaction, if he is taken off again by Alonso.

Fresh after receiving the 2024/25 Golden Boot award, Kylian Mbappe will continue leading the line for Real Madrid and hope to stretch his tally for this season, having already netted 11 times in La Liga.