After getting their first win in La Liga on Sunday, Real Madrid travel to Las Palmas in midweek for the third day.
Real Valladolid harassed Madrid for much of Sunday’s game before Brahim Diaz’s goal and help from the bench during the match ended up a comfortable 3-0 victory. Carlo Ancelotti’s side were beaten by Mallorca to open the home campaign.
Much talk has focused on Kylian Mbappé to start the 2024/25 season, but it is Real Madrid’s old guard who is most interested in the start of the new season.
Midweek fixtures could give the manager the chance to rotate players, and here’s the starting XI he could choose on Thursday.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Las Palmas (4-2-3-1)
GK: Thibaut Courtois – After a busy first session in Mallorca, Valladolid’s finish means Courtois won’t have to work hard to get his first La Liga hat-trick on Sunday.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid haven’t ventured into the full-back market this summer, so Ancelotti will count on Carvajal to stay long-term.
CB: Eder Militao – The Brazilian hasn’t had the best start to the season, with Valladolid having plenty of fun behind Militao on Sunday. However, he will be in the same team without David Alaba.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – Rudiger is adamant that he is in Ancelotti’s team, even if Alaba returns to the fold. Oli McBurnie will be ready for battle on Thursday.
LB: Ferland Mendy – After serving a one-game suspension last season, Mendy, ruled out on matchday, is expected to return to the starting XI in midweek.
DM: Luka Modric – Modric will once again play a supporting role in 2024/25, but this could be an opportunity for the veteran to earn a starting spot in midfield. Aurelien Tchouameni did not cover himself in the glory of opening a new season.
DM: Federico Valverde – The Real Madrid midfielder looked to double at the start of the 2024/25 season, and Valverde continues to perform a demanding box office job. It was important for Ancelotti, and he opened the scoring this weekend with a well-taken penalty.
RM: Rodrygo – There could be a change here, although Rodrygo has had a great start to the season. The Brazilian scored Real Madrid’s first goal in La Liga 2024/25 against Mallorca. AM: Arda Guler – Brahim Diaz will be disappointed when he seals Real’s win next Sunday from the bench, but Guler impressed this weekend, with signs that the Turkish youngster is The playing field plays an important role for Los Blancos this season.
LM: Vinicius Junior – There was no goal contribution from Vini Jr last season, but the Brazilian continues to play like he is the best player in the world. He will start on the left side on Thursday.
ST: Kylian Mbappé – The France international may have scored his first goal for Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, but that first La Liga goal has eluded him so far. Mbappé tried several shots against Valladolid, but he couldn’t find his target.
