Real Madrid look set to continue their charge against a league and Champions League double when they host Real Betis in La Liga this weekend.
Zinedine Zidane’s side kept in touch with Atletico Madrid at the top of the league with a 3-0 victory over Cadiz in the middle of the week, despite having only 13 older outfielders suitable for selection.
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They are expected to welcome several players from injury for this game and with an eye on their semi-final against Chelsea, they have some decisions to make. Here’s a look at the Los Blancos team that should start with the best chance at three points.
Varane returned after a positive COVID-19 test in the middle of the week Fran Santiago / Getty Images
Thibaut Courtois (GK) – The main goalkeeper for Zidane has kept three clean sheets in a row and will be keen to continue this run here.
Dani Carvajal (RB) – Spain’s top right-back is back from injury and can make his first start since being injured in a meeting with Valencia in February.
Raphael Varane (CB) – Varane missed the last round of the Champions League and El Clasico after a positive COVID-19 test but he is back and as the best, fitting midfielder he should start.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) – An academy product, Nacho has always been reliable when asked and his partnership with Varane should be resumed.
Marcelo (LB) – The veteran should continue in the starting line-up with Ferland Mendy injured, and his brilliance in the future can help them unlock a leaky Betis defense.
The best defensive midfielder in the world | Fran Santiago / Getty Images
Casemiro (DM) – Probably the best defensive midfielder in the world is a general in the middle of the park and is the glue on this Madrid side. He starts when he is in shape.
Toni Kroos (CM) – Despite tapping to miss the win in the middle of the week, Kroos is back in shape and should return to the starting line-up to help dictate the pace and use his exquisite passing range.
Luka Modric (CM) – The Ballon d’Or winner has been excellent this season and with a new contract pending, he will look to show everyone that he is worth keeping for a few more years.
The danger is finally fit to return | Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Marco Asensio (RW) – One of Zidane’s most trusted players, he was rested in the middle of the week so should return to this game.
Karim Benzema (ST) – No one has scored even half as many goals for Madrid in recent seasons, so Benzema will start when available.
Eden Hazard (LW) – The former Chelsea man has missed more games through injury than he has played since joining the club, but he is finally in shape again and starting to get some much-needed minutes under his belt.
