Real Madrid’s quest to reclaim their La Liga crown has got off to a promising start.
Despite the summer departure of an all-time great in Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti is making things work in the Spanish capital with the Italian adopting a new system in which summer arrival Jude Bellingham has emerged as the protagonist.
Los Blancos’ campaign has started off with a pair of wins away from home, and they’re on their travels once again on Matchday 3 as they take on a Celta Vigo side led by former manager Rafa Benitez.
Here’s how Ancelotti could set his Madrid side up for Friday night’s La Liga clash.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – Andriy Lunin has so far deputised for the injured Thibaut Courtois, but new arrival Kepa is expected to make his debut for the club on Friday night.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Carvajal will be expected to play the vast majority of Madrid’s fixtures this season given Ancelotti’s current lack of senior right-back options.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – The former Chelsea star replaced Eder Miitao after he picked up his devastating knee injury on matchday one and he was named in the starting XI last weekend. He should keep his place.
CB: David Alaba – New skipper Nacho’s poor pre-season has condemned him to the bench at the start of this La Liga campaign. Alaba will be tough to displace in the left centre-back position.
LB: Fran Garcia – Ferland Mendy should return from his muscle injury soon, but Ancelotti won’t have any problems trusting summer arrival Garcia down the left. The spritely left-back has looked bright so far.
DM: Aurelien Tchouameni – It wasn’t a plain sailing debut season for the French international, but he’s started at the base of Madrid’s midfield in their first two games of the campaign and has performed well. While Ancelotti has Edouardo Camavinga at his disposal. Tchouameni is likely to retain his place.
CM: Toni Kroos – Camavinga could come in here, but Kroos continues to perform at such a high level.
CM: Federico Valverde – The Uruguayan has made an excellent start to the season as one of Madrid’s midfield shuttlers. It’s a role that suits Valverde down to the ground, and he’s set to be a key man for Los Blancos this season.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Look out, folks, Madrid have got another match-winner on their hands. Bellingham has taken to life in the Spanish capital like a fish to water. He’s a guaranteed starter on Friday after registering three goals and an assist in his first two La Liga outings.
ST: Rodrygo – The crafty customer bagged Madrid’s first goal of the season at Athletic Club earlier this month, and has generally impressed in his new split striker position.
ST: Vinicius Jr – The Brazilian may have lost his chief partner in crime in Benzema, but it doesn’t look like Vinicius will be slowing down any time soon. He scored his first goal of the season in last weekend’s win at Almeria.
