Real Madrid set to unleash big guns against Almeria

Real Madrid began the campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Athletic Club away at San Mames and will be aiming to build on that victory with yet another strong display.

With champions Barcelona dropping points in the first match week, Real Madrid will be eager to build an early lead over their arch-rivals.

Injuries have not been kind to Los Blancos this early into the season, with Carlo Ancelotti set to be without five players for the Almeria clash. Thibaut Courtois, Arda Guler, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy are all ruled out with injuries.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Camavinga is also dealing with some discomfort and a call on his involvement will be made depending on his feelings close to the game. Here’s how Ancelotti could set his team up against Almeria on Saturday.

One of the major debates heading into the game was regarding the goalkeeping position – whether Ancelotti opts to stick with Andriy Lunin or hands new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga his Real Madrid debut.

The manager has put that mystery to rest, though, confirming earlier today that Lunin will be starting in goal against Almeria.

Eder Militao’s injury opens up a spot for Antonio Rudiger to start at the heart of the defence, where he will pair up with David Alaba, with the duo set to be put through a stern test.

Dani Carvajal will occupy the right-back position as usual while new signing Fran Garcia should continue on the left side. Ancelotti will be hoping to see the two full-backs push high up the pitch regularly during the attacking phases.

There is no looking past Aurelien Tchouameni at the base of the midfield diamond, with the Frenchman slowly getting back to his best.

Federico Valverde should hold on to his place as one of the interior midfielders, but Toni Kroos could get the nod ahead of Eduardo Camavinga due to the latter’s recent fitness concern.

Jude Bellingham made a stunning debut for Real Madrid, scoring a goal and dominating proceedings against Athletic Club. He is guaranteed to start in the No. 10 role, behind the attacking duo of Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. Luka Modric is certain to get some minutes in the second half, especially if things are not going Real Madrid’s way. Joselu will be another player Ancelotti will turn to if he needs to mix things up in the attacking third.

Brahim Diaz has not exploded yet since his return from loan and will be hoping to make any minutes that come his way count.

Nacho could be an option for the manager if he feels the need to rotate one of his defenders at some point in the second half. Meanwhile, Nico Paz has been named in the squad and could be handed his first-team debut, especially if the game is in the bag.

Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia; Tchouameni; Valverde, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.