Probable Starting Lineup for Real Madrid Against Granada

Real Madrid are positioned second in the La Liga table with 27 points from 12 games. The Real Madrid attack, headed by Benzema, have been outstanding so far with 28 goals. Carlo Ancelotti started with a 4-4-2 but has since experimented with a number of systems. Real Madrid are entering a busy period with nine games to play till the end of 2021. Three points against Granada away from home is set to be a routine outing for the Los Blancos. In this article, we will take a look at the probable Real Madrid lineup against Granada.

Arrival | The team is in Granada and will be staying at the Abades Nevada Palace Hotel pic.twitter.com/kxG9E0kcKO

— Real Madrid Info ³⁴ (@RMadridInfo) November 20, 2021

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Formation – 4-3-3

Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois

No surprises here as the Belgian is set to start between the sticks. The defense of Real Madrid has been too open at times this season but Courtois has often been their savior with some stunning stops.

Defenders – Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy

After a lengthy injury layoff, Dani Carvajal finally started before the international break. He did not represent Spain and hence the benefit of two more weeks of recovery. With the departures of Ramos, Varane and Marcelo being sidelined, Carvajal must shoulder more responsibility in defense.

Eder Militao has enjoyed a good start to the season so far. His judgment inside the box has been excellent and his pace while chasing through balls has been impressive. Militao started for Brazil against Argentina and did a decent job against a solid Argentina attack.

David Alaba has received widespread acclaim so far for his performances at Real Madrid. He has showed his versatility by playing both as a left-back and a center-back. Like Carvajal, Ferland Mendy too suffered injury blows at the start of the season but he will take the left-back spot in the Real Madrid lineup against Granada.

Midfielders – Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric

Real Madrid lineup against Granada is set to feature a world-class midfield trio of Casemiro, Kroos and Modric. Casemiro featured for Brazil in the international break and was at his usual best. As a central defensive midfielder, few can rival the Brazilian’s composure and understanding of the game situation.

Luka Modric will be in good spirits after Croatia sealed a spot in the World Cup. Even at 36, the little magician has shown seemingly endless energy on the pitch. Managing his workload has been one of Ancelotti’s priorities and he has been rested well so far. Having retired from international football, Kroos should be fully energized after a two week break. He is Real Madrid’s puppet master and when he has a good day Real Madrid win more often than not.

The last time against Granada…

That assist! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DYyAP37y1z

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— Madrid Xtra. (@MadridXtra) November 19, 2021

Forwards – Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo

Vinicius has surprised everyone this season with his superb finishing skills. The Brazilian has also improved his passing inside the box and Real Madrid play through him this season. He will be looking to add to his tally of 7 goals and 2 assists in La Liga against Granada.

Karim Benzema is in the form of his life at the moment and many consider him to be the world’s best player. He has scored 10 goals and assisted 7 so far while his work rate has also remained high. Real Madrid must be cautious of over-playing Benzema this season as he is also regularly featuring for France.

In the right-wing, Rodrygo is likely to start over Asensio who has made some useful cameos off the bench. Rodrygo does not score as much goals as Vinicus but his work rate makes him an automatic pick.