Predicted XIs Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid: System change expected from Carlo Ancelotti

Saturday’s derby between Real Madrid and city rivals Atletico Madrid promises to be a captivating occasion. Both teams will be desperate for victory, with Los Blancos looking to stay in the title race, while Atleti have their sights on third place.

Real Madrid have won the last two Madrid derbies, and they will be aiming to make it three in a row come Saturday night. However, they are without two key first team players, with David Alaba both ruled out having picked out injuries against Liverpool on Tuesday.

Nacho Fernandez will slot in at right back, and Sport expect Carlo Ancelotti to deviate from his usual 4-3-3 system, with a 4-4-2 diamond likely in order to incorporate four midfielders. Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to start in place of Rodrygo, with Camavinga playing more advanced. Marca expect Marco Asensio to be a straight swap for Rodrygo, with Ancelotti retaining his 4-3-3 for the game.

Real Madrid and Atlético de measure this Saturday at the Bernabéu

Atletico Madrid will be without key midfielder Rodrigo De Paul for the short trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, and he is expected to be replaced by Saul. Young midfielder Pablo Barrios is also set to play, with Diego Simeone likely to incorporate a 4-2-3-1 system.

Both teams come into this one on good form, but as it is with derbies, form usually goes out of the window anyway. Real Madrid will be very keen to move back to within five points of Barcelona, who don’t play until Sunday against Almeria.

Tags Atletico Madrid Carlo Ancelotti La Liga Real Madrid
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