Tchouameni, Modric to start: Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Athletic Club | OneFootball

Real Madrid prepare to lock horns against a resilient Atheltic Bilbao side, who are hoping to hamper Madrid’s La Liga title charge.

Aurelien Tchouaméni’s return will be a major boost and he is expected to slot into the lineup for this match.

Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Atheltic Bilbao.

GK: Thibaut Courtois

Has kept 5 clean sheets in 11 league matches this season but he is expected to be tested much more in this fixture as compared to the other fixtures. Madrid needs him to be at his best against a well-drilled Bilbao attack.

His matchup against Nico Williams seems to be quite an unfavourable one but Carlo Ancelotti would hope that Lucas has a good game over here and manages to keep Nico quiet.

Another start for the youngster and this is expected to be his first big challenge in La Liga at least. Needs to be at his best along side Rüdiger in keeping the opponent’s front line at bay.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger

These are matches where the German thrives and expect him to be a menace and aggressively but smartly make life a living hell for his marker. Would be eager to extend his purple patch.

LB: Ferland Mendy

Although Fran is going through a good phase this season, Mendy is expected to mark the in-form Inaki Williams. Mendy possesses the ability to match the winger’s speed and hopefully is successful at doing so.

CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni

Frenchman returns to the lineup straight after injury. In an ideal world he would slowly be integrated into the team after injury but the circumstances do not allow this. Bilbao have an attack that can cause trouble through the middle and Tchouameni will play a major part in trying to stop that from happening.

CM: Fede Valverde

Will be an integral part of the lineup that takes the field tonight. Yet again, his defensive workrate has to be top notch and needs to cut out the line breaking passes from Bilbao’s midfield.

CM: Luka Modric

The veteran midfielder will receive a start in a tough game like he has in most tricky fixtures this season. Possesses the ability to hold the ball and create chances out of nowhere. Will play a major part on taking set pieces.

CM: Jude Bellingham

The left side of the midfield is reserved for his brilliance and Real Madrid requires him to put on a masterclass yet again. He knows a thing or two about scoring at the San Mames since his first goal for Madrid was scored at this ground.

Looked rusty in the previous match but more game time means he will be back in form pretty early. Will partner up with Mbappe up front and hopefully their link-up play will be much better than what we saw over the weekend.

Another chance for Mbappe to show his worth to the fans. Has scored most of his goals against mid table teams and this match presents a chance to put that debate to bed at least. Already has 8 goals in La Liga and would be eager to increase that tally.