Alaba, Vinicius to start: Real Madrid predicted lineup against RCD Espanyol | OneFootball

After winning against a relation zone side a week ago, Real Madrid have their eyes set on another one, with Espanyol hosting the Merengues in match day 22.

Vinícius Junior’s return is surely a boost to an already in form attack. Many options to try out in defence, with David Alaba expected to start.

Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Espanyol.

GK: Thibaut Courtois

Has kept 7 clean sheets in La Liga and looks in good form to keep yet another one against a not so threatening Espanyol attack.

Did well in this position against Real Valladolid and expect him to keep his place in the lineup. Needs to extend his purple patch to ensure Real Madrid’s success in upcoming matches.

CB: David Alaba

Is in line to make his first start in over a year. Has put in some good shifts in the final 20 minutes or so in the past few games and will be rewarded with a start tonight.

No rest for the German defender. Has kept a clean sheet in the last 2 matches and will be eager to increase that tally.

LB: Fran García

Has won over this spot and made it his. Massively improved defensively and his attacking runs have been as good as it gets. Possesses the ability to put in accurate crosses inside the final third.

CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni

Since the Barcelona thrashing, his performances have really improved – especially in his natural position. Will hope to keep the consistency tonight and the games to come.

CM: Dani Ceballos

The Spaniard has done well to compliment the other midfielders whenever he starts. Do not overdo stuff. Knows how to make intelligent decisions under pressure and that is exactly what Madrid needs.

CM: Jude Bellingham

Finally broke his goal drought in the last match, taking his tally to double figures this season – 10 goals in 30 matches. Ceballos playing offers the Englishman freedom to play further up the pitch.

With Vinicius starting on the left, this particular Brazilian will return to the right. While even though he enjoys a much better record on the left wing this season, Rodrygo on the right has 6 goals and 2 assists in 14 starts. Not bad, but a record the 24-year old would love to improve.

Could have scored at least a brace against Breast but was highly unlucky. Other than that, seems to be combining well with the midfield and looks a much better player since the start of the month. 22 goals, 4 assists in 33 matches this season – not particularly bad for a player who was supposedly having a poor season.

Returns to La Liga action as his two match suspension comes to an end. From now on, will be hope to keep his cool and not indulge with the referees much. 17 goals, 9 assists in 27 matches this season – including 2 hattricks – shows that he has a lot more to offer and will have to be in top notch form for the rest of the season.