Guler, Ceballos start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid can line up against Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Real Madrid are heading into a crucial match against Celta Vigo with limited choices.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti already has half the job done when it comes to selecting his starting XI. However, it is not by design — injuries and suspensions have left him with very few options.

This match is a must-win for Madrid. After Barcelona’s win over Real Valladolid, the Catalan club sit seven points clear at the top of La Liga. If Madrid drop points here, their hopes of winning the title could vanish.

The pressure is on. A win will keep the title race alive and set up a massive showdown on May 11 when the two Spanish giants face off and on that note, let’s take a look at how Real Madrid are likely to line up against Celta Vigo.

Defence

Aurelien Tchouameni will be key for Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In defence, there is no debate left for Ancelotti. The players available have basically chosen themselves. Thibaut Courtois will return in goal, providing some much-needed experience.

In front of him, Lucas Vazquez will take up the right-back spot. Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to play as a centre-back alongside Raul Asencio, with Fran Garcia at left-back.

This is not Ancelotti’s ideal back four, but the Italian is missing several key defenders, namely, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao.

As a result, Tchouameni, a natural midfielder, has had to step in at centre-back. If he picks up another yellow card, he will be suspended for the El Clasico.

The same risk applies to Vazquez and Dani Ceballos. If any of them are booked in this game, they will miss the huge clash against Barcelona.

Madrid’s defence is hanging by a thread, and they can’t afford any more setbacks. Ancelotti must ask for discipline and focus from his patched-up backline.

Midfield

Arda Guler is set to star against Celta Vigo. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

With Tchouameni dropping back in defence, Federico Valverde is expected to play as the midfield anchor in a likely 4-4-2 setup. Valverde’s energy and tactical awareness will be key in controlling the middle of the park.

Alongside him, young Arda Guler is set to start. Guler has impressed recently and is slowly proving he can contribute in tight games.

Dani Ceballos will also get a start in midfield, despite some discomfort in his left ankle after the Copa del Rey final. Fortunately, he has trained without issues this week.

Jude Bellingham will play at the tip of the diamond. The English star remains crucial to Madrid’s creativity and goal threat from midfield.

His movement, energy, and ability to link play could be the difference-maker in a game Madrid cannot afford to slip up in.

Attack

Kylian Mbappe will return. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Up front, the good news is the return of Kylian Mbappe. After missing three games — and not playing a league match since his red card in Vitoria — the French forward is set to start.

With Rodrygo ruled out, he will partner Vinicius Jr. in attack. Both players bring pace, skill, and goal-scoring threat. They will be the main hope for Madrid fans looking for all three points.

Real Madrid have no margin for error in this fixture. The absence of so many regulars means that Ancelotti has little flexibility.

But with experienced players still in the side, along with the returning Mbappe, Madrid should still have enough quality to win.