Defeat at Espanyol means Actual Madrid’s lead on the La Liga summit is a mere level forward of an enormous Madrid Derby.
With the title race ever so tight in Spain and loads of scope for twists and turns, Saturday’s fixture between the capital’s giants will not vital determine the division’s champion when it is all mentioned and finished nevertheless it may have an enormous bearing.
Madrid have not tasted defeat to Atleti on the Bernabeu since 2016, however the guests are in a rampant temper whereas the hosts have availability considerations in defence and stability points additional ahead.
Carlo Ancelotti’s absolutely going to should do some tinkering and juggling. Here is the group he may choose for Atletico’s go to.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Ancelotti rang the adjustments for Madrid’s 3-2 Copa del Rey victory over Leganes on Wednesday, with Andriy Lunin getting a uncommon begin. Courtois is a positive wager to return on Saturday.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – Ancelotti oddly opted for 90 minutes of Federico Valverde at right-back in midweek, with Vazquez drifting out and in of the aspect as of late. Nevertheless, the veteran must be included this weekend.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni – The French worldwide has confirmed he is a serviceable centre-back choice on his many begins in Madrid’s defence this time period. He’ll should drop into the backline once more for the derby.
CB: Raul Asencio – Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao are all out, so there will likely be a primary begin on this fixture for the highly-regarded Asencio.
LB: Fran Garcia – There’s been loads of shuffling at left-back in current weeks, and Garcia could have leapfrogged Ferland Mendy within the depth chart. The diminutive full-back’s superior attacking menace could also be required to help Madrid’s bid to penetrate a compact Atleti block.
CM: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan most likely did not have to endure the whole lot of Wednesday’s cup tie, however he is one in all few who not often appeared bothered by this ‘fatigue’ idea.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – It has been nothing however unhealthy information on the harm entrance for Madrid as of late, however Camavinga’s projected return from a hamstring challenge is a serious increase.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Ancelotti’s acquired to do one thing if he is to cease the guests working amok on the counter. If he does not wish to sacrifice one in all his star-studded entrance 4, he could have to limit Bellingham‘s attacking freedom.
RW: Rodrygo – The Brazilian is best off the left, however he will not be entering into the group over his superior compatriot on his most popular flank.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Remarkably, that is the primary time Diego Simeone is game-planning for Mbappe. The Frenchman has by no means encountered a Simeone-led group, and a concerted effort will likely be made by the guests to shun Madrid’s latest famous person.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Vini has spent a lot of 2025 suspended, and his 12 months hasn’t but kicked into gear. A blinding show within the derby can be a well timed return to kind.
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