Endrick to lead the line: Predicted Real Madrid line-up against Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Real Madrid host Real Sociedad at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu tonight in the second leg of the semi-final of the Copa del Rey as their quest for a berth in the final continues. Los Blancos already have a 1-0 lead from the first leg which was held in February at the Reale Arena, thanks to Endrick’s goal. They will look to avoid defeat and rubber-stamp their place against Atletico Madrid or Barcelona in the decider on April 26th.

Carlo Ancelotti will not have Thibaut Courtois at his disposal as the Belgian continues to suffer from a muscular discomfort, consequently missing his second straight game. Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy are also set to be absent for the hosts but the South Americans could start after they were benched in the Leganes game at the weekend due to belated arrivals from international duty.

Here is a look at how Los Merengues could line-up for the clash.

Goalkeeper – Andriy Lunin

Lunin is set to continue in goal having played in all of the team’s Copa del Rey fixtures so far.

Right Back – Lucas Vazquez

Vazquez might retain his place at right back with Federico Valverde expected to play in midfield.

Centre Back – Raul Asencio

Asencio is set to start in the heart of the backline for yet another game with the Spaniard yet to put a foot wrong in an impressive debut season.

Centre Back – David Alaba

Alaba might replace Antonio Rudiger in the heart of the backline with the former Chelsea star overdue a rest.

Left Back – Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia could continue to play at left back with Mendy still injured.

Defensive Midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni

Tchouameni may be back in the starting eleven having been rested from the line-up against Leganes.

Right Midfielder – Federico Valverde

Valverde could return in midfield and replace Luka Modric in the process.

Left Midfielder – Jude Bellingham

Bellingham assisted the only goal of the tie so far and is expected to retain his place in the engine room.

Right Winger – Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe could move to the right flank of attack with Endrick potentially leading the line.

Striker – Endrick

Endrick, who is Real Madrid’s top scorer in the Copa del Rey, could be the team’s number nine.

Vinicius could come back into the starting eleven and play on his preferred left wing.