Fran Garcia and Brahim to start: Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Villarreal | OneFootball

Real Madrid face Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on matchday 28 of La Liga on Saturday, March 15th, at 18:30 local time. The Whites will be bidding to secure an important victory in the Spanish top flight before Atletico Madrid and Barcelona square off at the Wanda Metropolitano, with at least one of the two title rivals understandably set to drop points.

Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo have been joined on the treatment table by Ferland Mendy, who picked up a hamstring injury in the midweek Champions League game, whereas it is not expected for Vinicius Junior to start either owing to discomforts. That said, Carlo Ancelotti will be forced into making some changes to the team.

Here is a look at Madrid’s potential starting eleven for their next league game.

Goalkeeper- Thibaut Courtois

Courtois is expected to keep his place ahead of Andriy Lunin in between the sticks.

Right Back – Lucas Vazquez

Vazquez could replace Federico Valverde at right back with the Uruguayan moving back to midfield.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Asencio might be employed in the heart of the backline once more after a terrific display away to Atletico on Wednesday.

Centre Back – Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger played the full game including extra time midweek but might keep his place in the team on a difficult away day.

Left Back – Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia is expected to replace Mendy at left back with the Frenchman injured.

Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni played slightly over an hour in the Atletico game and will be amongst Madrid’s fresher players in the Villarreal game as he starts in his usual role.

Right Midfielder – Federico Valverde

Valverde is fully fit after a minor fitness worry and is expected to slot into the midfield having played as the right back against Atletico.

Left Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Bellingham is also expected to be in the line-up and will complete an energetic and physically dominant three-man midfield for Real Madrid.

Right Winger – Brahim Diaz

Brahim Diaz could get the nod on the right wing given his impressive form in recent weeks.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is expected to start as the number nine on paper, though he will be given the freedom to drift wide and cut in from the flanks.

Left Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo could play in his preferred position on the left flank with Vinicius Junior expected to get some rest.