Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Osasuna - La Liga | OneFootball

Real Madrid were engrossed in European action midweek but return to domestic duties on Saturday when they visit Osasuna in La Liga.

Los Blancos left it late to beat Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on Tuesday evening but Jude Bellingham's stoppage-time effort means they will protect a one-goal advantage in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Carlo Ancelotti would be forgiven for having one eye on the upcoming duel, but the Italian and his players can ill-afford complacency in Pamplona this weekend as they look to maintain their lead at the summit of La Liga.

Defensive injuries continue to wreak havoc on Madrid's team selection and an unorthodox backline will start against Osasuna. Ancelotti knows he has the attacking muscle to compensate for absentees in the rearguard, though.

Here is how Madrid could line up.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Osasuna (4-2-3-1)

Kylian Mbappe is in impressive form / Carl Recine/GettyImages

GK: Thibaut Courtois - Madrid will rightly be strong favourites against Osasuna but the mid-table side have a super home record this season. 75% of their La Liga goals have come at Estadio El Sadar and Courtois will have to be prepared for a busy afternoon.

RB: Federico Valverde - With Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal both absent for Madrid, the indefatigable Valverde will line up at right-back against Osasuna. He will be tasked with keeping lively Bayern Munich loanee Bryan Zaragoza quiet.

CB: Aurelien Tchouameni - Injuries are also impacting Madrid at centre-back, with Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Eder Militao all sidelined. As a result, Tchouameni continues to fill in, as he has done for much of the campaign.

CB: Raul Asencio - The young centre-half turned 22 on Thursday and will be aiming to celebrate with victory in Pamplona. He handled Erling Haaland admirably midweek and is growing in confidence with every passing game.

LB: Fran Garcia - Ferland Mendy has had to share minutes with Garcia in recent weeks, with the Spaniard preferred in domestic outings. He's likely to return to the XI on Saturday with his fellow left-back rested for Man City's upcoming visit.

DM: Dani Ceballos - Ceballos has been relishing an extended run in the team lately but produced a mixed performance against Man City. Having provided an assist for Kylian Mbappe's effort, he proceeded to gift a penalty by clumsily felling Phil Foden.

DM: Eduardo Camavinga - With Tchouameni covering in defence, Camavinga's starting berth is now guaranteed. He has the challenging assignment of screening an unfamiliar back four.

RM: Rodrygo - The least glamourous member of Madrid's attacking quartet but still mightily important. The Brazilian has managed 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions this term - 11 of which have come in La Liga.

AM: Jude Bellingham - Bellingham has been back to his best over the past few months after an underwhelming start to the campaign. When there's late drama, the attacking midfielder is normally involved.

LM: Vinicius Junior - The 24-year-old scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 demolition of Osasuna back in November and will be aiming to add to his impressive season tally this weekend. He's managed 27 goal contributions in 31 appearances.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - There was more than a slice of good fortune about Mbappe's strike at the Etihad but it means the Frenchman has now scored ten times since the turn of the year. He will expect to be on the scoresheet this Saturday.