Vinicius Jr., Alaba And Carvajal To Start | 4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Espanyol | OneFootball

Real Madrid will welcome Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this Saturday afternoon as they look to secure all three points at home in La Liga. Los Blancos managed to earn a hard-fought 2-1 win over Olympique Marseille recently, so they would be full of confidence going into this game.

Xabi Alonso will opt for the 4-2-3-1 formation once again and is expected to make a whole host of changes for this clash. Vinicius Junior, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal could all play from the start of this game.

4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup To Face Espanyol

Defence

Thibaut Courtois will function in goal for Los Blancos after conceding one goal in his last appearance. Eder Militao will partner up with David Alaba at the centre of the Real Madrid backline as they look to keep the opposition at bay during the 90 minutes.

Dani Carvajal will get the nod to start at right-back in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is sidelined due to injury. Alvaro Carraras will operate on the other side as the left-back. Alonso will allow both of them to go forward and express themselves in the opponent’s half.

Raul Asencio will provide cover for the centre-back positions on the bench.

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Olympique de Marseille at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde will play as the holding midfielders as they look to establish their superiority over the opposition at the centre of the park.

The gifted trio of Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz will operate just ahead of them as part of Alonso’s attack. All three of them need to be at their best if the Madrid outfit are to earn a convincing win this weekend.

Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo will have to be content with a place on the bench as they await their chance to make an impact in the second half if needed.

Attack

Kylian Mbappe will lead the charge for Los Blancos in the final third. He has enjoyed a good run of form of late and would be determined to make a difference for Real Madrid this Saturday.

Gonzalo Garcia will be available for selection on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the final quarter if required.