Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Betis - La Liga

Real Madrid have made an underwhelming start to the Kylian Mbappe era and already find themselves some way off Clasico rivals Barcelona in the title race.

The reigning La Liga champions kicked the campaign off with victory in the UEFA Super Cup but have since managed a single win over newly-promoted Real Valladolid. Their other outings have seen them held to 1-1 draws in the top flight by Mallorca and, most recently, Las Palmas.

Carlo Ancelotti's side can ill-afford any more slip-ups in the opening weeks of the season and a resolute Real Betis side are next up. Manuel Pellegrini's men are unbeaten in 2024/25 and have drawn four of their last five meetings with Madrid, including three goalless draws.

Here is how Madrid could line up for the visit of Betis on Sunday.

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

GK: Thibaut Courtois - Madrid's patchy early season form has nothing to do with the Belgian stopper, who has produced some impressive displays to date. He'll be hopeful of a second successive home clean sheet.

RB: Dani Carvajal - Lucas Vazquez replaced the veteran midweek and coped well but Carvajal should return this weekend. The Euro 2024 champion could be given a tricky time by Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who scored a brace in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

CB: Eder Militao - Madrid have been questionable defensively at times this season and Militao hasn't been at his imperious best. The centre-back is perhaps still working his way into form after last season's ACL injury.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - The former Chelsea defender has played every minute of every game for Madrid this season, highlighting his significance to a team that is still struggling with defensive cover despite having had a summer to recruit reinforcements.

LB: Ferland Mendy - Hooked at half-time against Las Palmas after a disappointing return from suspension. Ancelotti will offer him a chance to redeem himself on Sunday.

DM: Federico Valverde - Arguably Madrid's standout performer against Las Palmas, Valverde has made a lightning fast start to the season. He proved a threat in both halves and created a match-high four chances last time out.

DM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The Frenchman was again a little sloppy in his distribution and defending on Thursday, although he did finish the match with more touches (92) and passes into the final third (17) than any other player.

RW: Rodrygo - Ancelotti quickly realised his mistake after starting Rodrygo on the bench in the recent 1-1 draw. The speedy winger came on at half-time and made a positive impact in the final third.

AM: Arda Guler - The youngster impressed when starting in the 3-0 win over Valladolid last weekend and could return to the XI in place of 38-year-old Luka Modric. He boasted eight touches in the opposition box and an expected assists tally of 0.43 in his last start.

LW: Vinicius Junior - Got on the scoresheet against Las Palmas when he netted from the spot after winning the penalty. The Brazil international is always a livewire in the opposition half.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Madrid created plenty of chances against Las Palmas and Mbappe took nine shots. However, only two were on target and he finished up with an expected goals tally of just 0.52.

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