Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Mallorca: Major Rotations Needed

Real Madrid prepare to take on Real Mallorca on Wednesday night, only three days after their hard-fought and long awaited victory at the Mestalla as they beat Valencia 2-1 with two late goals from Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema. With a fixture list this congested, the time has come for Carlo Ancelotti to make some changes to the lineup in order to rest some of his players while giving others a chance to show what they’re capable of. Even though Mallorca will not be an easy opponent, this is the club’s best opportunity to make their rotations to the team.

Goalkeeper

One position that will not be changed will be Real Madrid’s goalkeeper as Thibaut Courtois has come up big in the previous two matches against Valencia and Inter Milan. It’s safe to say that without the Belgian, Real Madrid would not be unbeaten so far during this campaign.

Defenders

With Dani Carvajal injured after he was taken off the pitch during the first half of the last match, Lucas Vazquez will take his place as right-back. The Spaniard will need to step up his game as he’s been struggling during his past few appearances. In the center of defense, we should be seeing the partnership of Nacho Fernandez and David Alaba. Jesus Vallejo is on the bench and ready to play, but it remains to be seen just how much the manager trusts the defender. On the left, Miguel Gutierrez deserves his opportunity since he has impressed whenever Ancelotti has decided to play him. He has a future at Real Madrid and he needs to get the minutes that he deserves.

Midfielders

This might be a little too over-optimistic, but I believe that we won’t be seeing anyone from the trio that started the previous few matches as they all need time to recuperate. Antonio Blanco could get his first appearance of the season and prove that he has what it takes to be Carlos Casemiro’s backup at the team while in front of him another youngster will start in Eduardo Camavinga, who has been nothing less than impressive after coming on as a substitute in the last three matches.

Alongside the young French midfielder could be Isco who Ancelotti definitely trusts and could use in a match like this. All three players will have something to prove and this could be the ideal time to do so.

Forwards

We should expect some amendments in the forward line as well for the game. Rodrygo Goes has been in great form and even though Ancelotti admitted that the player will have an important role off the bench at times, he also deserves to play more often.

On the opposite side, Vinicius Junior should continue to start. He’s been on a roll recently and consistency is key. He may not be on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, depending on how the game goes, but he should be part of the starting eleven.

Up front and arguably the biggest risk that Ancelotti could possibly take will be resting Karim Benzema and starting with Luka Jovic, who has been waiting for his chance. He came on as a substitute when Real Madrid were looking for a goal against Valencia and he looked good and composed amidst the chaos around him. This is a good time for him to be named in the lineup.

Full Predicted Lineup

Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Nacho Fernandez, David Alaba, Miguel Gutierrez, Antonio Blanco, Eduardo Camavinga, Isco, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Luka Jovic