Real Madrid will look to keep the pressure on rivals Atletico Madrid with a win against Espanyol this Sunday in La Liga action.
Los Blancos have a number of key injuries but fans will be hoping that players like Luka Modric and Vincius Junior will have enough firepower to give them the win on Sunday night. Espanyol will prove to be a tough test given their home form, and they could nick a result against the Champions League holders.
Here’s how Real may line up at kick off..
3. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – The Belgian shot-stopper has not been in the best of form this season but has the ability to get out of this rough patch and get back to his best.
Dani Carvajal (RB) – The Spanish full-back has been a consistent starter in the Madrid squad for many seasons now and seems to never put a foot wrong.
Raphael Varane (CB) – Perhaps getting a bit of stick from Real Madrid fans this season for his below-par performances, the World Cup winner needs to prove he is the right man for the job – starting this weekend.
Sergio Ramos (CB) – Real’s captain has been a bit exposed this season but has been their best defender this season and can use his leadership ability to rally his team to victory.
Marcelo (LB) – Back in the squad and back in favour, Marcelo will now look to press on and help lift Los Blancos up the table.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (CM) – Looking confident after scoring an absolute screamer against Sevilla, the Brazilian will hope for more of the same in Sunday’s fixture.
Luka Modric (CM) – The Ballon d’Or winner will look to create chances for his front men in a game where the Espanyol midfield will look to restrict the Croatian’s freedom. He’s good enough to continue finding space mind you.
Dani Ceballos (CM) – With this game looking a bit too soon for Toni Kroos to make his comeback from injury, Ceballos will be looking to dictate the tempo of the game and get the ball moving as much as possible.
1. Forwards
Lucas Vazquez (RW) – The winger will be hoping to use his pace and trickery to expose the Espanyol defence and get the ball into the box as much as possible.
Karim Benzema (ST) – Goals, goals, goals – that’s what Benzema would like to be delivering on a regular basis. The Frenchman has the ability to do so, but must be provided with better service if he is to become the standout figure up front.
Vinicius Junior (LW) – The young Brazilian is really starting to impress, and looks to have found his feet in La Liga. His flamboyance and youthful exuberance on the ball could provide the spark that Real need to pick up three points.
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