Real Madrid vs Villarreal, 2021 La Liga: Predicted lineups

Real Madrid host Villarreal in what’s expected to be the return to the lineup of both Casemiro and Modric. This time around, it might be Fede Valverde’s turn to get some rest, so coach Carlo Ancelotti will still have to make some decisions about his starting lineup.

Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Gutierrez, Casemiro, Modric, Asensio, Hazard, Vinicius, Benzema.

Villarreal predicted XI: Rulli, Foyth, Torres, Albiol, Pedraza, Capoue, Trigueros, Parejo, Gomez, Danjuma, Alcacer.

That starting lineup would give Ancelotti the flexibility to change and use different formations within the game. Asensio could start playing behind or alongside Benzema in a 4-4-2 and he could also be used as a central midfielder in the 4-3-3, which is the position Ancelotti tried for him early this season.

Hazard will likely get a chance to start, and while Vinicius and Benzema could need some rest, it might be safer to keep them on the bench when the team hosts Sheriff Tiraspol on Tuesday.

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA

Date: 09/25/2021

Time: 21:00 CEST, 03:00pm EST.

Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.

Available TV: Movistar La Liga, ESPN+

Available Streaming: ESPN+

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