Experimental Madrid for Celta

It’s an experimental defence and attack for Real Madrid’s early-evening kick-off at home to Celta Vigo.

With full-backs Alvaro Arbeloa, Fabio Coentrao and Marcelo all out injured after misfortune during the international break, Coach Jose Mourinho has opted for what looks like Michael Essien and Sergio Ramos on the flanks of Los Blancos’ defence for today’s match at home to Celta.

Raphael Varane comes back into the centre of defence as a result, whilst midfield sees Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric line-up in the centre, with Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricky Kaka ahead of them. Gonzalo Higuain is selected ahead of Karim Benzema in attack.

Meanwhile, Celta bring in Cristian Bustos for Park Chu-Young in the only change since the visitors’ last outing against Sevilla in Week 7.

Starting line-ups

Real Madrid: Casillas; Essien, Varane, Pepe, Ramos; Alonso, Modric; Ozil, Kaka, Ronaldo; Higuain

Celta Vigo: Sergio; Hugo Mallo, Cabral, Tunez, Roberto Lago; Oubina, Alex Lopez, Bustos; Krohn-Dehli, Augusto, Aspas

Tags Alonso Essien Modric Ramos Varane
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