Alaves vs Real Madrid, 2021 La Liga: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid’s visit to Alaves to play their season opener isn’t expected to be a manageable one. Los Blancos will be without Toni Kroos and their two pre-season friendlies were not very encouraging. Still, it’s time for Madrid to show they are going to compete for the title with a solid and convincing win against Alaves.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Miguel Gutierrez, Casemiro, Modric, Valverde, Bale, Rodrygo, Benzema.

Alaves predicted XI: Pacheco, Martin, Laguardia, Lejeune, Duarte, Pina, Pons, Edgar, Rioja, Lucas, Joselu.

Ancelotti will likely start Miguel on the left-back spot but he could also deploy Alaba on the left flank and Militao-Nacho in the center of the defensive line. That would leave the bench without a reliable center-back though, so Miguel playing on the left makes more sense.

Rodrygo could start on the left wing after his solid pre-season, with Bale and Benzema set to feature in the starting lineup even if the French attacker rejoined the squad just a few days ago.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA

Date: 08/14/2021

Time: 22:00 CEST, 04:00pm EST.

Venue: Mendizorroza, Vitoria, Spain.

Available TV: Movistar La Liga, ESPN+

Available Streaming: ESPN+

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