The Real Madrid Lineup That Should Start Against Huesca
It was a decent enough comeback against Borussia Mönchengladbach, but it only faintly papers over what was another disappointing night of Champions League football for Real Madrid in midweek.
With just the solitary point earned from their two European matches this season, Los Blancos need to respond in La Liga following Tuesday's 2-2 draw with the German side.
After their first Champions League setback they produced the perfect answer with a 3-1 Clasico victory over Barcelona, and here is the lineup that should face Huesca in La Liga on Saturday if they want a similar reaction.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - Andriy Lunin won't be involved in La Liga matches so it's a simple choice to stick the Belgian in as usual.
Lucas Vazquez (RB) - Madrid are in trouble when it comes to right-back. Vazquez took over the duties in Germany, but with Nacho, Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola still out, he'll have to do it again.
Sergio Ramos (CB) - The captain could slot into right-back and allow Eder Militao to come into central defence, but with the winless Huesca up next, it shouldn't be an issue with Vazquez pushing to play higher up the pitch and for Ramos to cover.
Raphael Varane (CB) - It hasn't been the best of seasons for the Frenchman, but even if he was only at 50% fitness, he's still the best option ahead of the other centre-backs in the squad.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Saturday is a chance for Mendy to flex his offensive muscles. A fine attacking full-back who is creative with his running, he should have plenty of joy against Huesca.
2. Midfielders
Federico Valverde (CM) - The Uruguayan will keep his place from midweek as he likely will for most of the season. Offers well-timed runs into the box from deep and has the mobility to charge up and down the pitch throughout 90 minutes.
Casemiro (CM) - Madrid could afford to leave Casemiro out in favour of more adventurous midfielders, but when given the chance to push forward, Casemiro has proven himself to be a valuable addition in attacking phases (see: Tuesday night).
Luka Modric (CM) - Came off the bench against Mönchengladbach and made a positive impact with his side scoring twice in the 20 minutes he had on the pitch. Will be fresh and ready for Saturday.
3. Forwards
Marco Asensio (RW) - Was one of few Madrid players who posed a threat in a poor first half in Germany. Zinedine Zidane has options in this area but there is no need to drop Asensio from the team.
Karim Benzema (ST) - His comments caused controversy at half-time having called out Vinicius for playing 'against' Madrid, but it's not going to have him dropped, is it? Besides, who would come in? Luka Jovic? Don't be silly.
Eden Hazard (LW) - Might it be too soon? Perhaps, but Hazard looked a threat when he came on in the Champions League and linked well with Benzema and Mendy. Vinicius could start in a bid to build some on-field bridges with Benzema, but it's a great game for Hazard to get some minutes.