Lunin, Guler to start: Real Madrid predicted lineup against Leganes | OneFootball

Real Madrid and Leganes face off in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey with the Whites looking to progress into the last four of the Kings Cup without losing too much of a sweat, ahead of the Madrid Derby in La Liga over the coming weekend and then a Champions League double header versus Manchester City.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men have been questioned on a number of occasions this season, not least after their loss against Espanyol last weekend and will look to bounce back in the best possible manner on Wednesday. Having said that, here is a look at their predicted eleven for the match.

Goalkeeper – Anriy Lunin

Andriy Lunin is expected to guard the sticks with Carlo Ancelotti resting Thibaut Courtois. The Ukrainian has proven his reliability as the team’s back-up goalkeeper time and again, and will look to make the most of his limited chances in Madrid’s cup clash versus Leganes.

Right-back – Lucas Vazquez

Lucas Vazquez’s performances have been substandard to say the least but a lack of squad depth, coupled with an opponent who is very much capable of causing an upset, the veteran Spaniard will retain his place at the right-back position.

Centre-back – Aurelien Tchouameni

Wholesale injuries at the back mean Carlo Ancelotti will be forced to use Aurelien Tchouameni in the back four once again. The Frenchman has been excellent as the defensive midfielder but has not given the fans much to write home about with his displays in defence, though he has a golden chance to turn a corner in the next few games, starting from the visit to Leganes.

Centre-back – Raul Asencio

Raul Asencio’s rise has been brilliant in the last two or three months and as things stand, he is the team’s only fit central defender barring Jesus Vallejo. The 21-year-old will also be in the starting eleven versus Leganes as he looks to warm up for a big couple of weeks with a commanding display.

Left-back – Ferland Mendy

With Fran Garcia playing in the Espanyol game, Ferland Mendy might return to the team ahead of the former Rayo Vallecano star and feature at left back.

Left Midfielder – Federico Valverde

Federico Valverde has been one of Europe’s most heavily used outfield players this season and that is unlikely to change in the Copa del Rey either. The Uruguayan will be in the starting eleven versus Leganes, this time on the left of midfield as opposed to his preferred right side.

Right Midfielder – Luka Modric

Luka Modric might play as the right midfielder with Dani Ceballos returning to the bench after a laborious outing versus Espanyol. The Croatian international has two goals to his name in the cup this season and will look to make his mark once more.

Attacking Midfielder – Brahim Diaz

Brahim Diaz is expected to play as the attacking midfielder with Jude Bellingham out. The Moroccan has not been in top form in the last few matches but if the 2023/24 season is anything to go by, now is the time when he will reach his best level.

Left Winger – Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior has missed the last three of Real Madrid’s four games in all competitions due to suspension. He is expected to play on the left wing against Leganes and lead the side’s offence having been fresh over the last few weeks.

Right Winger – Arda Guler

Arda Guler’s creativity always comes in handy for Real Madrid against a low block and the former Fenerbahce whizkid will likely start on the right wing. Most of his appearances for Real Madrid have been off the bench this season, so the Leganes game is a good opportunity to prove his qualities yet again.

Striker – Rodrygo

Rodrygo could return to a more central role on Wednesday ahead of Endrick and owing to Kylian Mbappe’s exclusion from the squad too. The Brazilian’s lengthy streak of goals and assists ended against Espanyol, but he will look to pick his form up in the cup tie on Wednesday.