Following their loss to Osasuna last week, Real Madrid are set to return to La Liga action today, on Monday, with a Madrid derby in which they will be facing Getafe. Barcelona have already won their match for round 26, and thus, the Merengues would need to get the full three points to remain within touching distance of their main rivals for the league title.
As a result, Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to field a strong starting lineup for this match, especially as his team does not have any midweek engagements this week.
Here is how the Spanish coach might field his team for the upcoming game:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is once again expected to protect the Merengue goal for this important game.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
The Englishman did not have a very good outing against Benfica in the last game, but he is still expected to start against Getafe to continue his way to reach his best version.
Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger
The veteran defender is expected to once again be a starter in this game, and his physicality could prove to be important against a side as tough as Getafe.
Centre-back: David Alaba
Although he has not played a lot lately, Alaba is expected to start this game as other options like Eder Militao are unavailable, while Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio are also doubtful.
Left-back: Alvaro Carreras
The Spaniard has been the preferred starter on the left-back position for Alvaro Arbeloa, and he is expected to keep his place against Getafe.
Defensive Midfielder: Aurelien Tchouameni
Even though he does not enjoy a lot of the spotlight, the Frenchman has been a key figure for Arbeloa. He put in a MOTM performance against Benfica, and hopefully would put in another such display tonight.
Central Midfielder: Federico Valverde
The Uruguayan has been another key player for Arbeloa, irrespective of his position on the pitch. For the match against Getafe, he would return to his preferred midfield role.
Attacking Midfielder: Arda Guler
The Turk’s presence higher up on the pitch could prove to be crucial in this game, as Getafe would put in a compact defensive structure, and Guler’s creativity could provide the breakthrough for the Merengues.
Left Winger: Vinicius Junior
The Brazilian is enjoying a good run of form, scoring in both legs against Benfica and also in the last league game against Osasuna. He would be the main spark for the Real Madrid attack.
Right Winger: Franco Mastantuono
Although the Argentine has seen his game time drop recently, Arbeloa can field him for this game, especially to enhance the creativity for his side in the final third.
Center-Forward: Gonzalo Garcia
With Kylian Mbappe out, Garcia would have a good opportunity to once again showcase his talents as the Real Madrid striker against Getafe.
