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Karim Benzema will start the match against Sevilla. That's what Ancelotti said during Tuesday's pre-match press conference. After Real's defeat last Saturday, Ancelotti's men have to get the three points in order to keep fighting for the title.
Xabi Alonso rejoined the squad for the first time of the season, and the Spanish midfielder could have some minutes if everything goes well for Real Madrid. Alonso injured his fifth metatarsal just days after recovering from the pubalgia that sidelined him for the whole preseason.
The players could use some rest, but Ancelotti should use these games at the Bernabéu to give Gareth Bale some minutes. The Welsh player is still a long way to go, and he showed that against Barcelona. It should be easier for him to adapt to Real Madrid in the Bernabéu than in small fields like Vallecas or Pamplona. 'Marca' reported past Monday that Sergio Ramos will likely be given some rest. With Varane and Pepe on the lineup, the team should not struggle against Sevilla's attackers.
Asier Illarramendi played brilliantly against Barcelona, and even though Ancelotti admitted Illarra had a knock after the win against Juventus, he's expected to start today as well. So are Isco and Khedira. Since Ancelotti decided to implement the 4-3-3 formation, Isco and Modric have not played together. These two playmakers could be used against smaller teams at the Bernabéu, but the team's defensive struggles in the midfield made Ancelotti change his mind.
The team certainly deserved more than a 2-1 loss against Barcelona, but it's also true that the first half was entirely ruined by the team's Starting XI. Real Madrid's form has slightly improved though, so it will be interesting to see if Sevilla are able to stop it or not.
Real Madrid Projected starting XI: López, Arbeloa, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo, Illarramendi, Khedira, Isco, Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema
Sevilla FC Projected starting XI: Beto, Coke, Pareja, Carriço, Moreno, Mbia, Rakitic, Jairo, Vitolo, Bacca, Perotti
Date and Time: Wednesday October 30th, 22:00 CET