How Real Madrid could line-up against Elche

10:54am on Tuesday 29th December 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane could give some minutes to Eden Hazard when his side take on Elche on Wednesday evening.

Hazard hasn't played since the 2-1 defeat against Alaves at the end of November, but was deemed fit enough to be named on the substitute's bench for the win versus Granada seven days ago.

With Madrid routinely winning that one 2-0, his services weren't required from the bench, but Zidane has the perfect opportunity to give the Belgian some minutes against struggling Elche - a team they are expected to beat comfortably.

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If Hazard does feature, though, it will probably be as a sub.

The capital club are currently on their best run of the season in the league, winning their last five matches in a row.

Key to their recent success has been their defensive solidity as they have conceded just two goals in that run. Therefore, it is unlikely that Zidane will tinker with the backline from the Granada win.

So, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, and Ferland Mendy should all start.

Luka Modric missed the Granada game, but is fit again after a small adductor issue.

Rodrygo has been absent from full training due to a hamstring injury and will probably not play, which will likely mean a front three of Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, and Marco Asensio.

Lucas Vazquez started on the right wing in Madrid's last game, but didn't impress too much, while Asensio came off the bench to record an assist.