Predicted XI

Big guns to return? - How Real Madrid could line up against Real Betis

Several superstar names were missing for the 3-0 victory against Cadiz during the week, but a number of them could return

 
12:16pm on Friday 23rd April 2021
By
Martin Macdonald

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane was forced to put together a makeshift midfield during the week as he took his side to face Cadiz in La Liga.

The Frenchman switched things to a 3-4-3 formation with Marcelo being given a rare start on the left of the four, with Alvaro Odriozola on the opposite flank.

Casemiro was in there but without his usual partners Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, with youngster Antonio Blanco in central midfield instead.

Madrid would comfortably win 3-0.

Zidane should be able to call upon the services of Modric and Kroos again though in what should be a much tougher match against sixth-placed Betis.

Sergio Ramos hasn't played for Real Madrid since the middle of March but should be okay to make his return here.

It will be up to Zidane whether the World Cup winner is risked at the back with huge Champions League ties against Chelsea coming up.

If he does come in, it could actually be for Raphael Varane instead of Nacho, with the latter having impressed while deputising his compatriot.

Federico Valverde is recovering from coronavirus so we should see the tried and tested midfield three of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric return.

As for the attacking areas, Rodrygo started against Cadiz but was fairly ineffective, which should mean a return to the starting XI for Marco Asensio, with Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema making up the front three.

Eden Hazard is pushing to be fit, and could make an appearance off the bench.

Real Madrid predicted XI against Real Betis

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