Predicted XI

Casemiro banned, defence decimated - How Real Madrid could line up against Getafe

Real Madrid will have a much-changed back four for a vital La Liga clash against Getafe on Sunday - and Casemiro is also missing.

10:53am on Saturday 17th April 2021
By Robin Bairner

It’s been a big couple of weeks for Real Madrid, who have had to negotiate El Clasico between Champions League fixtures against Liverpool.

Zinedine Zidane’s side have come through those tests with flying colours. Not only did they ease past Liverpool 3-1 on aggregate after a handsome home win and then a scoreless draw at Anfield, they reignited their Primera Division hopes with a 2-1 win over Barcelona last weekend.

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The fixtures, though, don’t stop for Los Blancos. On Sunday, they have a derby against Getafe then on Wednesday they travel to Cadiz. From there, it’s a home game against Real Betis followed by a Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

Indeed, it’s going to be two games per week from here until the end of the season, so squad management will be vital as they chase glory on two fronts.

Zidane’s hand will be forced into rotation on Sunday. Nacho and Casemiro are both suspended for this encounter, depriving Madrid of two key defensive elements. Indeed, with Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane all laid up for this encounter, it is going to be a makeshift defensive unit in place for the Getafe trip.

Alvaro Odriozola, Eder Militao and Victor Chust are set to feature.

Elsewhere in the side, there are few such problems. Lucas Vazquez is missing and there are, inevitably, doubts over the fitness of Eden Hazard.

Five of the midfield and attack that featured at Liverpool could be deployed again, with Fede Valverde ready to step into the central trio having featured at right-back in midweek.

If Zidane can get through this awkward period without any slips, Madrid will be in a good place in the final sprint.