Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid - La Liga

Real Madrid have the chance to reduce Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday night when they face city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Barca slipped to their first league loss of the season on Saturday as they were beaten 4-2 at Osasuna, meaning Los Blancos can cut the gap between the two sides to only one point. However, Atleti are also keen to usurp Carlo Ancelotti's side into second with a win of their own.

The Italian manager has a few injury concerns, the most notable being Kylian Mbappe's absence due to a thigh problem. So what team is he expected to put out?

Here's the predicted Real Madrid lineup to take on Atletico on Sunday evening.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4-3-1-2)

GK: Thibaut Courtois - While there's all sorts of hysterics over Barca's goalkeeper situation after Marc-Andre ter Stegen's season-ending injury, Madrid have as safe a custodian between the sticks in Courtois as any team around the world.

RB: Dani Carvajal - The Spanish right-back has played Atleti 31 times during his career so far. While he has only lost on six occasions, Carvajal has been held to 12 draws to go alongside 13 victories.

CB: Eder Militao - The Brazilian is fit again after suffering an injury on international duty with Brazil and has started Madrid's last three La Liga games.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - Madrid have proved they are the masters of the free transfer in recent years, with Rudiger a prime example. The German has developed into one of the undoubted best centre-backs in the world.

LB: Ferland Mendy - Remains Ancelotti's prime choice at left-back, though Fran Garcia has also been rotated in on occasion.

CM: Federico Valverde - The Uruguayan became somewhat notorious in Atleti circles when his cycnical hack got him sent off in a 2020 Supercopa de Espana final which Real would eventually win on penalties.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - Tchouameni and Madrid have big boots to fill after Toni Kroos' retirement in the summer. The Frenchman is a different player to the German but has enjoyed a consistent start to the campaign.

CM: Luka Modric - Mbappe's injury may mean Jude Bellingham is pushed further forward, opening up a midfield spot for stalwart Modric. He should start after appearing as a substitute in the win against Alaves.

AM: Jude Bellingham - The England international had scored six goals by this time last season but is yet to get off the mark in 2024/25. Playing in an advanced role should help Bellingham get better chances.

ST: Rodrygo - With Mbappe out, more responsibility rests on Rodrygo's shoulders. He's been in great recent form though, striking twice and assisting once in his last three matches.

ST: Vinicius Junior - The Brazilian has often been stifled by Atletico in the past, scoring only once in 13 previous encounters. He'll look to change that on Sunday as Real's main threat up front.

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