Brahim, Modric start in a 4-4-2 – How Real Madrid could line up against Girona | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be itching to bounce back strongly from their midweek 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club when they take on Girona later tonight in La Liga.

Just when it appeared that Los Blancos were building some positive momentum, they were halted by Ernesto Valverde’s men away at San Mames with the team looking far from convincing.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti and marquee signing Kylian Mbappe find themselves under intense pressure going into tonight’s clash in Montilivi and are aware that another misstep could prove costly.

Real Madrid were already without key players like Vinicius Jr., Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, and David Alaba for the game.

Earlier today, the Spanish and European champions were forced to withdraw Rodrygo from the squad as well due to the Brazilian dealing with a fresh muscle problem. Meanwhile, youngsters Chema Andres and Gonzalo Garcia were also cut from the roster that flew to Girona.

With the situation being as it is, here’s how Ancelotti could set his Real Madrid side up at Estadi Montilivi tonight against Michel’s team.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid and will be hoping for a clean sheet after shipping two goals in midweek to Athletic Club.

Lucas Vazquez remains the obvious starter on the right-hand side of the Merengues’ defence in Dani Carvajal’s injury-enforced absence. The veteran has not always appeared most convincing, especially in defence, and must up his game.

On the opposite side, a change is expected with Ferland Mendy likely to return to the starting XI at the expense of Fran Garcia, who got the nod in the past two matches.

Raul Asencio, one of the few positives for Real Madrid in recent weeks, will continue to partner Antonio Rudiger at the heart of the defence.

Midfield

Looking for redemption. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Rodrygo’s absence through injury and Ancelotti’s lack of trust in Endrick means Real Madrid are likely to go in with a four-man midfield in a diamond formation tonight.

Aurelien Tchouameni made his comeback from injury earlier in the week against Athletic but looked far from convincing. Despite his middling performance, the Frenchman enjoys Ancelotti’s trust and is expected to start tonight at the base of the midfield.

Federico Valverde made a huge error in the previous match but is seen as an ‘untouchable’ and will retain his spot in the side, hoping to redeem himself. There will likely be one change, however, as Luka Modric could start ahead of Dani Ceballos.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who appears to have found his goalscoring boots again, will occupy the attacking midfield role.

Attack

Real Madrid’s attacking unit is severely depleted as they go into the game without Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo while Castilla youngster Gonzalo Garcia also misses out.

Ancelotti has shown very little faith in Endrick thus far this season and as such, one can expect to see Kylian Mbappe, who is under pressure, feature from the get-go alongside the versatile Brahim Diaz.

The two will have to play at their best if Los Blancos are to stand a chance of coming out on top tonight against Girona.