Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid - La Liga | OneFootball

A thrilling title race beckons in La Liga, with Real Madrid returning to the division's summit after Atletico's slip-up at Leganes.

While Barcelona are several points back, Hansi Flick's side have shown in their two Clasico victories this season that their apex is untouchable. We're set for a three-horse race.

Despite their humiliating defeat in the Supercopa final, Madrid have enjoyed a productive start to 2025 across several competitions. They enjoyed a good week's work heading into Saturday's trip to Real Valladolid, with Madrid thumping RB Salzburg 5-1 on Wednesday after they breezed past Las Palmas 4-1.

The league leaders will be aiming to heap the pressure on their title rivals when they face the league's bottom dwellers this weekend. Here's the team Carlo Ancelotti could pick for Madrid's trip to Valladolid.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid (4-3-3)

Kylian Mbappe looks at ease in the Spanish capital / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

GK: Thibaut Courtois - There's been a frustrating absence of clean sheets for Courtois, who will start between the sticks again this weekend.

RB: Lucas Vazquez - The Madrid stalwart was suspended for Wednesday's 5-1 victory, earning some respite, so he is a shoo-in to come back into Ancelotti's team here.

CB: Raul Asencio - There's plenty of buzz in Madrid quarters surrounding young defender Asencio, who deserves to retain his place in the team.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - David Alaba will continue to be eased back in on Saturday, and a start surely isn't too far around the corner. However, Ancelotti is poised to retain the ever-present Rudiger against La Liga's joint-poorest attack.

LB: Ferland Mendy - Fran Garcia has proven himself to be an able deputy who can be relied upon when Mendy's in need of rest. but the French left-back should be fine to go again on Saturday despite getting through 90 minutes on Wednesday.

CM: Federico Valverde - Ancelotti's Swiss Army knife was utilised at right-back in midweek with Vazquez suspended. With the Spaniard eligible to return, Valverde is a sure bet to return to a more familiar role.

CM: Aurelien Tchouameni - The Frenchman has been dealing with a minor injury and he missed Wednesday's game as a result. However, there's hope Tchouameni will be fit to feature this weekend with his compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga, sidelined.

CM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham played a leading role in Madrid's Harlem Globetrotter-like display against Salzburg on Wednesday. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but the Englishman's assist for Rodrygo's second goal more than atoned.

RW: Brahim Diaz - There will be a reshuffle in attack with Vinicius Junior suspended. Ancelotti has Brahim and Arda Guler to choose from, with the former seemingly ahead of the latter in the pecking order.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - Mbappe scored for the fourth game running on Wednesday, with the forward doubtlessly looking more at ease in the Spanish capital at the start of 2025. He's settled in after a rocky start and will be looking to lead Madrid's title tilt.

LW: Rodrygo - The Brazilian loves a surge in form, and Rodrygo has scored seven in his previous eight appearances. With Vinicius out, he'll get a shot to shine down the left.