Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid - La Liga

A thrilling title race beckons in La Liga, with Real Madrid returning to the division's summit after Atletico's slip-up at Leganes.

While Barcelona are several points back, Hansi Flick's side have shown in their two Clasico victories this season that their apex is untouchable. We're set for a three-horse race.

Despite their humiliating defeat in the Supercopa final, Madrid have enjoyed a productive start to 2025 across several competitions. They enjoyed a good week's work heading into Saturday's trip to Real Valladolid, with Madrid thumping RB Salzburg 5-1 on Wednesday after they breezed past Las Palmas 4-1.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid (4-3-3)

GK: Thibaut Courtois - There's been a frustrating absence of clean sheets for Courtois, who will start between the sticks again this weekend.

RB: Lucas Vazquez - The Madrid stalwart was suspended for Wednesday's 5-1 victory, earning some respite, so he is a shoo-in to come back into Ancelotti's team here.

CB: Raul Asencio - There's plenty of buzz in Madrid quarters surrounding young defender Asencio, who deserves to retain his place in the team.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - David Alaba will continue to be eased back in on Saturday, and a start surely isn't too far around the corner. However, Ancelotti is poised to retain the ever-present Rudiger against La Liga's joint-poorest attack.

LB: Ferland Mendy - Fran Garcia has proven himself to be an able deputy who can be relied upon when Mendy's in need of rest. but the French left-back should be fine to go again on Saturday despite getting through 90 minutes on Wednesday.

CM: Federico Valverde - Ancelotti's Swiss Army knife was utilised at right-back in midweek with Vazquez suspended. With the Spaniard eligible to return, Valverde is a sure bet to return to a more familiar role.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The Frenchman has been dealing with a minor injury and he missed Wednesday's game as a result. However, there's hope Tchouameni will be fit to feature this weekend with his compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga, sidelined.

CM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham played a leading role in Madrid's Harlem Globetrotter-like display against Salzburg on Wednesday. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but the Englishman's assist for Rodrygo's second goal more than atoned.

RW: Brahim Diaz - There will be a reshuffle in attack with Vinicius Junior suspended. Ancelotti has Brahim and Arda Guler to choose from, with the former seemingly ahead of the latter in the pecking order.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Mbappe scored for the fourth game running on Wednesday, with the forward doubtlessly looking more at ease in the Spanish capital at the start of 2025. He's settled in after a rocky start and will be looking to lead Madrid's title tilt.

LW: Rodrygo - The Brazilian loves a surge in form, and Rodrygo has scored seven in his previous eight appearances. With Vinicius out, he'll get a shot to shine down the left.

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