Mbappe, Rodrygo start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Espanyol | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be hoping to pick up a fourth win in a row in all competitions when they take on RCD Espanyol in La Liga later tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Consecutive wins against Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and VfB Stuttgart have helped Los Blancos build momentum after drawing two of their first three La Liga games of the season.

While there is still plenty of room for improvement, upcoming games against the likes of Espanyol and Alaves provide the reigning champions a great chance to cut down the gap to league leaders Barcelona.

Heading into the game, Carlo Ancelotti has four notable absentees in the form of David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz.

With games coming thick and fast, there is scope for rotation, with the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Arda Guler, and Endrick waiting for their opportunities.

With that in mind, here is how Real Madrid could line up against the newly-promoted Espanyol outfit at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois was the star of the show for Real Madrid in midweek against Stuttgart, pulling off several critical saves to help his team win. His place between the sticks is undisputed.

Much like Courtois, Antonio Rudiger has also established himself as a permanent fixture in the Real Madrid starting XI and will hold on to his place at the heart of the defence.

Militao to return to the starting XI. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

After featuring as a substitute in the midweek clash, Eder Militao is expected to feature from kickoff tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu, which will be one of the changes that Ancelotti makes.

Dani Carvajal, expected to sign a renewal soon, should return to his natural right-back position after starting the last game at centre-back. Ferland Mendy, however, could be given a breather with Fran Garcia stepping in at left-back.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni made his comeback from injury in the game against Stuttgart but it has been since reported that the Frenchman was not at his 100% on the night which may have affected his performance.

However, having had three more days of rest and training, the Frenchman is expected to retain his spot at the base of the Real Madrid midfield.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who also made his return to action in midweek, should also retain his spot in the side against Espanyol.

Set to pair up in midfield again. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

Federico Valverde should be the third central midfielder for Real Madrid with captain Luka Modric and Arda Guler being options on the bench again.

Attack

Despite all the talk about Ancelotti reverting to a four-man midfield and sacrificing a forward, such a tactic is likely to be utilised in a big encounter.

As such, tonight against Espanyol, Los Blancos should once again line up with the superstar attacking trident of Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr.

Summer arrival Endrick, who has now scored on his La Liga and Champions League debut will likely have to wait until next week for his first start.