Bellingham, Mbappe to start: Real Madrid predicted lineup against Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 23 of La Liga. The Whites have a golden opportunity to extend their lead on top of La Liga to four points with a win over their crosstown rivals, just three days after securing passage to the Copa del Rey semi-final. For the derby, they are also bolstered by Eduardo Camavinga’s return with the Frenchman expected to start.

With Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe also being named in the squad following their rest in the midweek game, Carlo Ancelotti’s line-up is fairly predictable apart from how he will structure his backline. Having said that, here is a look at how the Italian could arrange his troops as he looks to bounce back to winning ways in the league after a shock defeat to Espanyol last weekend.

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

Thibaut Courtois is set to return in between the sticks having been left out of the squad in the Copa del Rey quarter-final. The Belgian international will look to get one over his former club yet again on Saturday.

Right Back – Federico Valverde

Lucas Vazquez has been targeted a number of times by opponents and he simply cannot be starting in the big games anymore. With Federico Valverde impressing at right back earlier in the week, the Uruguay may be employed in the back four again.

Centre Back – Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni did a fantastic job in defensive midfield on Wednesday but Real Madrid’s lack of defensive options are expected to send him back into the heart of the backline. He will replace Jacobo Ramon.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Raul Asencio has become indispensable in the team following the recent injuries as well as his own performances, so the 21-year-old could start once again. It will be his first Madrid Derby appearance.

Left Back – Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia was rested in the Leganes game as Ferland Mendy started. The Spaniard has also outperformed his French counterpart and with a decent run of form under his belt, he could start on the left side of defence versus Atletico.

Defensive Midfielder – Eduardo Camavinga

With Tchouameni playing as the central defender, Eduardo Camavinga might be thrown straight into the starting eleven after his injury and play as the defensive midfielder.

Right Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Although he plays a free roaming role, Jude Bellingham is set to feature as the right midfielder on paper. His exploits around the pitch will be vital for the team, especially as Valverde’s responsibilities will be limited to the right flank in all likelihood.

Left Midfielder – Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos’ inclusion against a low block is a must due to his inch-perfect passes in behind the defence. The Spaniard will feature against Atletico Madrid ahead of Luka Modric.

Right Winger – Rodrygo Goes

Rodrygo has been in very good form and has arguably been the best player for Real Madrid in the last six to eight weeks. He will come into the game well-rested as he played just one half against Leganes, and is set to feature as the right winger.

Striker – Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has found his feet at Real Madrid at the perfect time and although he blanked in his previous game against Espanyol, all eyes will be on the former PSG star to make the difference in the Madrid Derby, his first ever.

Left Winger – Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior is without a goal in his last two matches but was the provider of an assist in the reverse fixture against Atletico Madrid. As with Mbappe, there will also be a lot of pressure on Madrid’s perennial big game star to usurp Simeone’s charges and extend the team’s led in the league.