Now that Zinedine Zidane’s side are effectively out of the title race, their main priority turns to ensure Champions League qualification for next season. Los Blancos sit closer to fifth placed Sevilla (nine points) than to leaders Barcelona, who are 14 points clear of their fierce rivals.
After a sluggish start to the calendar year, Zidane’s side go into this game against the Basque outfit on the back of a six-match unbeaten run.
Los Blancos moved up to third in La Liga following their win over Leganes on Wednesday, and they’ll aim to at least retain that position until the end of the season.
Here’s a look at the best potential lineup for Los Blancos to face Alaves on Saturday.
Torhüter
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Navas1
Keylor Navas was left out of the matchday squad against Leganas due to Zidane’s rotation. This allowed Kiko Casilla to stand in for the Costa Rican goalkeeper, however it’s expected that Navas will start against Alaves to earn his 125th club appearance for Real Madrid
Verteidigung
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Carvajal2
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Varane5
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Nacho6
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Theo15
Daniel Carvajal looks most likely to retain his down the right, meanwhile, Theo Hernandez could start his second consecutive at left-back in place of the injured Marcelo. The heart of Los Blancos’ defence could see a partnership containing Rafael Varane and Nacho Fernandez. This is due to the fact that skipper Sergio Ramos is suspended for the clash on Saturday due to suspension.
Having picked up a booking in the 3-1 win against Leganes after grabbing Leganes midfielder Nabil El Zhar, he is now suspended for picking up an accumulation of yellow cards.
Mittelfeld
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Modric10
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Casemiro14
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Kroos8
Zidane could make two changes against Alaves in the Madrid midfield with Luka Modric replacing Mateo Kovačić after the former Tottenham player missed the clash to Leganes through injury.
Toni Kroos was also another name who missed the midweek clash, but could well replace Isco as he looks to start his 20th La Liga game this season. Casemiro may continue to be the Madrid anchor by protecting the back four by playing in his well-suited holding role.
Sturm
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Bale11
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Benzema9
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Ronaldo7
Both Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t start the game against Leganes on Wednesday, with the latter being rested after playing 19 consecutive La Liga matches. However, they both look poised to lead Los Blancos’ attack, showing support to Karim Benzema down either flank.
The front three have a combined 21 goals between them in La Liga this season, to put that into context, they finished with a much more impressive 43 last season, with Ronaldo grabbing himself 25 goals alone.
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