Predicted XI

Vinicius back in? How Real Madrid could line up against Levante

It's been tough going for Los Blancos so far but they have seven points from nine and will hope for another three points

8:00am on Saturday 3rd October 2020
By Martin Macdonald

Zinedine Zidane is still searching for the correct balance in Real Madrid's attack as they head to Levante for their fourth La Liga outing of the season.

Against Real Sociedad away and Valladolid at home they showed the very worst side to their attack, appearing toothless and largely unable to break the opposition down.

Zidane has mixed things up in attack and with Eden Hazard still out he will probably look to do it once again.

Thibaut Courtois has been excellent, as has most of the defence, meaning it will likely be Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, and likely Ferland Mendy after Marcelo played in midweek.

But Zidane has suffered a big injury blow with the news that Dani Carvajal faces two months out after suffering knee ligament damage and Alvaro Odriozola is likely to deputise for the foreseeable future.

Toni Kroos has also picked up a muscle injury, meaning we will probably see the midfield three of Fede Valverde, Luka Modric and Casemiro once again. In the wide attacking positions, either side of Karim Benzema, Zidane may well reward Vinicius Jr for his winning goal with a place in the starting XI.

But neither Isco, playing as the No. 10, nor Luka Jovic truly convinced against Valladolid and so Zidane may revert to a 4-3-3 with Marco Asensio drafted in on the right.