Open Thread: August 22, 2021

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

It’s Game Day!!

With Modric out as well, how will the team lineup against Levante at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia? Ancelotti made some interesting remarks when he hinted that Asensio could be used in midfield. Could Vinicius or Rodrygo start or will Gareth Bale get his second start in as many games? Lots of fascinating points to consider and Jose C. Perez looks at four tactical points ahead of the game. One positive piece of news is that the coach confirmed the return of Dani Carvajal.

Here is the squad list for the game.

Will there be any departures before the transfer window closes?

With Jesus Vallejo having taken number 5 and Luka Jovic most probably staying, only number 25 is up for grabs. That number will most likely go to Dani Ceballos. Bale, Isco, Odriozola, Ceballos, Mariano and Jovic were all rumored to be on the transfer block but the players either don’t want to leave or don’t have any suitors.

Here’s what the squad looks like so far.

Prediction time!!

Alright MM community, the time has come to look into our individual crystal balls. Copy the template below into the comments and come up with your predictions for the La Liga season.

• La liga standing by the end of the season -
• Number of Goals scored in La Liga -
• Number of Goals conceded in La Liga -
• G+A for Benzema -
• G+A for Hazard -
• G+A for Bale -
• G+A for Vinicius -
• G+A for Rodrygo -
• Player of the Season -
• Castilla product/s that will earn a permanent promotion -

I see some of y’all have already been poking your Barca voodoo dolls. Please do the same for Atleti tonight.

ICYMI: Explaining three key exercises from Real Madrid’s fitness session this week

Dr. Rajpal Brar takes a look at footage released from Valdebebas, and in a video embedded in this article explains the recovery exercises done by the squad along with the underlying rationale for doing them. Give it a watch.