Carreras, Brahim start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against WSG Tirol | OneFootball

Real Madrid will take to the pitch today for their first and only official pre-season friendly of the summer, facing Austrian side WSG Swarovski Tirol.

This will be the Spanish giants’ first open match since 9 July, excluding a closed-door game against Leganes earlier this week.

With La Liga just around the corner, Real Madrid know the challenge that lies ahead, especially after Barcelona’s strong title-winning run last season.

It promises to be another tense battle at the top of the table, and new head coach Xabi Alonso will have no time to ease into his role.

It is to be noted that the summer transfer window has been busy for Los Blancos.

The club strengthened its defence with the signings of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras, while teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono has been brought in to add flair and creativity in attack.

While Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen have already played in the Club World Cup, fans are eager to see how Carreras fits into Alonso’s system.

Defence

Trent Alexander-Arnold will start over Carvajal. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Alonso is expected to stick with the classic 4-3-3 formation. Thibaut Courtois should start in goal, bringing his usual calm presence between the posts.

In defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to take the right-back spot, with Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen partnering at centre-back.

Alvaro Carreras is expected to slot in at left-back. Militao’s sharp return to form and fitness has been a positive talking point during training.

Veterans like Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Fran Garcia are likely to get minutes in the second half, allowing Alonso to rotate and test different combinations ahead of the new season. Raul Asencio could also feature during the latter stages.

Midfield

Arda Guler will play a key role. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The midfield is likely to feature Arda Guler in a central playmaking role. The Turkish youngster will look to control the tempo and create chances, building on his promising displays at the Club World Cup.

Aurelien Tchouameni will anchor the midfield in the pivot role, while Dani Ceballos is expected to replace the unavailable Federico Valverde.

Several big names will be missing from the middle of the park, with Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham also sidelined for this match. This gives fringe players a valuable chance to impress Alonso and fight for a regular spot in the squad.

Attack

Brahim Diaz could be picked over Gonzalo Garcia. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Up front, Real Madrid’s attacking trio should be one to watch. Kylian Mbappe is set to start in the centre, Vinicius Jr. will take up his usual position on the left, and Brahim Diaz will lead the line from the right flank.

It is to be noted that in the closed-doors friendly against Leganes, the Moroccan started alongside Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Jr. and could be given another chance against Tirol.

This friendly in Austria might not carry competitive stakes, but it offers Alonso a golden opportunity to test tactics, experiment with new signings, and fine-tune his starting XI before the La Liga campaign kicks off.