Real Madrid possible starting lineup against Valencia in La Liga

Real Madrid faces Valencia this Saturday at 3:00 PM ET, and Xabi Alonso isn’t thinking beyond that match. He won’t rotate his squad or rest players ahead of the Champions League clash with Liverpool at Anfield. His plan is to field the strongest lineup available against Corberán’s side.

The only potential change from the starting eleven used in El Clásico could be Franco Mastantuono replacing Camavinga on the right wing. The young Argentine didn’t play a single minute against Barcelona and could come in to freshen up the attack.

Even with Fede Valverde covering at right-back due to Carvajal’s injury (and Trent still regaining fitness after a month and a half out), the recently signed Frenchman remains behind Güler and Bellingham in the pecking order. The number 5 and 15 will partner Tchouameni in midfield.

The biggest question about Xabi’s lineup for the Valencia match has already been answered by the manager himself: “Vini won’t face any repercussions.” Of the 17 questions asked in the pre-match press conference, six focused on the Brazilian. Alonso addressed them all by highlighting Vinicius’s meeting with the entire squad and, above all, the honesty with which he spoke.

In central defense, Xabi’s options are limited. With Rüdiger and Alaba sidelined, Huijsen and Militao will start. It would be a surprise if Asencio forced his way into the lineup, as it would be for Fran García or Mendy to take over on the left flank, which Carreras is expected to occupy as usual.

Therefore, the starting eleven Alonso is set to field against Valencia will be: Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Güler; Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinicius; and Mbappé. It’s the same lineup that faced Villarreal, with Bellingham coming in for Ceballos.

With Lunin suspended for one match after receiving a red card during the Clásico’s post-game scuffle, Xabi’s squad for Saturday is rounded out by: Fran González, Mestre, Trent, Asencio, Fran García, Mendy, Camavinga, Ceballos, Brahim, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Gonzalo.