90min

The Real Madrid Lineup That Should Start Against Villarreal

By Max Haley

Granada CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga
Granada CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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Real Madrid could seal the title on Thursday night with a win over Villarreal.

Monday's 2-1 win over Granada took Los Blancos' winning run to nine games, meaning they need just two more points to secure only their second league title since 2012.

Real Madrid will be looking to get their hands on a much bigger trophy come the end of the season
Real Madrid will be looking to get their hands on a much bigger trophy come the end of the season / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Real Madrid will be feeling confident ahead of their game, but will be wary of the quality Villarreal possess. The Yellow Submarines have enjoyed a fruitful return to football themselves, and currently fifth in the league table.

Marcelo and Nacho will miss Thursday's game due to injuries, while Luka Jovic will remain a doubt after a friend of his tested positive for coronavirus.

Here's the team Zidane should select for Thursday Night's clash:

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Ramos has been influential for Real recently
Ramos has been influential for Real recently / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK): The Belgian has overseen a terrific defensive season for Real - having kept the most clean sheets in Europe's top five leagues this season.

Dani Carvajal (RB): Carvajal has continued to be a key man for Madrid this season, and is a cert to start this one.

Raphael Varane (CB): Widely considered one of the most talented defenders in the world, Varane has been in top form all season.

Sergio Ramos (CB): Captain Fantastic. Ramos continues to be Madrid's star man, leading the most impressive backline in Europe and scoring goals for fun.

Ferland Mendy (LB): The French defender scored his first Real Madrid goal last week and will look to cement his place in the team further on Thursday.

2. Midfielders

Modric remains a regular in Real's team
Modric remains a regular in Real's team / Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Casemiro (CDM): The Brazilian is a regular in Real Madrid's midfield and will be for the foreseeable future.

Luka Modric (CM): He isn't quite the same player that won the Ballon d'Or two years ago, but he is still a top midfielder, and will be key to Madrid's chances on Thursday.

Toni Kroos (CM): Kroos has been in top form all season, and will start this crucial game on Thursday.

3. Forwards

Benzema has been sensational for Real Madrid this season
Benzema has been sensational for Real Madrid this season / Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Marco Asensio (RW): The Spanish international was on the bench for the last game, but expect him to start against a more threatening opposition in Villarreal.

Eden Hazard (LW): The former Chelsea man has had a first season from hell at Real, but has started to look like he may finally be finding some form since football's return.

Karim Benzema (CF): The French forward has shown this season that he is far more than a support striker, and he has been instrumental in Real Madrid's push for the title. Expect him to start, and probably to score.