Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid - La Liga

Real Madrid are hoping to redeem themselves against Real Valladolid this Sunday following their underwhelming draw with Mallorca on the opening weekend of the new La Liga season.

The Spanish champions could only secure a point on their trip to Palma despite Rodrygo's early goal, hardly the start to their title defence that Carlo Ancelotti would have wished for. However, they have a wonderful opportunity to grab their first victory of the domestic campaign on Sunday when they welcome newly promoted Valladolid to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ancelotti will be missing several of his influential first-teamers, though. Ferland Mendy's red card against Mallorca means he's suspended for Sunday's fixture, while Jude Bellingham has added his name to an injury list that already contains both Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba.

Here is how Madrid could line up for Sunday's encounter.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid (4-3-3)

GK: Thibaut Courtois - The imposing Belgian has made a bright start to the 2024/25 campaign after spending so much time on the treatment table last term. He was surprisingly busy against Mallorca but handled everything thrown at him.

RB: Dani Carvajal - There will be no surprises from Carvajal on Sunday, with the veteran's consistency down the right flank key to his longevity at the elite level.

CB: Eder Militao - It wasn't Militao's sharpest performance against Mallorca and he will be eager to better Mamadou Sylla this weekend. An injury to Alaba means the Brazilian's starting spot is assured.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - While he could have done better for Vedat Muriqi's goal last time out, there is no doubt he will bounce back this weekend. He rarely puts a foot wrong for the Spanish giants.

LB: Fran Garcia - Mendy's foolish red card against Mallorca hands Garcia a rare opportunity. The Spaniard has failed to impress upon his return to the Bernabeu but has a fantastic chance to shine against La Liga newcomers Valladolid.

DM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The deepest-lying midfielder in Madrid's central trio, he will be key to denying Valladolid's threat on the counter attack.

CM: Federico Valverde - Bellingham's concerning injury will likely force Valverde further forward against Valladolid as he aims to support Madrid's fabled front three. The Uruguayan has always been a reliable provider of goals and assists.

CM: Luka Modric - The timeless midfielder finds starts hard to come by at the grand old age of 38 but Bellingham's injury opens the door for the maestro to earn a run of appearances. He's still as magical as ever given the chance.

RW: Rodrygo - Rodrygo showed his worth against Mallorca despite eyes naturally being drawn to his attacking teammates. The Brazil star opened his La Liga account for the 2024/25 season last weekend.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Ancelotti is still discovering how best to use the world's best player but there have been encouraging signs in the UEFA Super Cup and against Mallorca. Even if Mbappe performs below his best, you would expect him to net his first La Liga goal this weekend.

LW: Vinicius Junior - Often the chief creator for Madrid and has already registered a goal and an assist in the opening two matches of the season, with a smart set-up for Rodrygo against Mallorca.

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