Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Barcelona

All is well in the Real Madrid camp over in the States.

Sure, Karim Benzema is out the door, but there’s reason for optimism heading into 2023/24. A change of system is in order, and Don Carlo Ancelotti is determined to bring major pieces of silverware back to the Spanish capital.

Their summer has started with a pair of victories over Milan and Man Utd with a summer Clasico upcoming. Real take on Barcelona in Texas on Saturday, and here’s how Ancelotti could set his side up.

GK: Thibaut Courtois – We haven’t seen arguably the world’s number one goalkeeper in action yet this summer, but the Belgian could return to the fold for the clash with Barça.

RB: Dani Carvajal – Ancelotti’s options at right-back are slim, so we should see the indefatigable Carvajal continue in the XI.

CB: Eder Militao – The Brazilian is starting to cement himself as one of Europe’s premier defenders. Real are well stocked at centre-back, but Carletto will surely deploy his best for the Clasico.

CB: Nacho Fernandez – New skipper Nacho endured a difficult outing against Milan as he was partly to blame for both goals Real conceded. Nevertheless, his leadership position means he’ll likely earn more minutes than he perhaps should not only in pre-season, but throughout 2023/24.

LB: Ferland Mendy – Real have got a good one in Fran Garcia, but Mendy was regarded as one of the world’s best left-backs before his subdued 2022/23 campaign. The Frenchman will likely share minutes with Garcia and start on Saturday.

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DM: Toni Kroos – Real’s shiny new midfield toys mean the German maestro is beginning to go under the radar. He makes the game look so simple, and the new kids on the block in Real’s midfield view Kroos as the ideal. He’ll hold down the fort at the base.

CM: Federico Valverde – This is a role Valverde could thrive in given its demands and the Uruguayan starred in the club’s summer opener against Milan. Rotation means he should come back into the XI.

CM: Jude Bellingham – Oh, Jude. The England international and summer signing has slotted in seamlessly this summer. Proper Galactico vibes. Ancelotti seems to like him in a more advanced function, but he could test him out as one of the midfield shuttlers on Saturday.

AM: Brahim Diaz – Arda Guler could come straight into the team if he recovers in time, but it’s likely that he’ll earn minutes off the bench. If Bellingham is deployed deeper, Diaz is a natural fit for the fluid #10 role.

ST: Joselu – The former Newcastle hero announced his arrival with a fine overhead kick to seal Real’s victory over United. While it remains to be seen just how big a role he’ll play next season, he could get a start in Texas.

ST: Vinicius Jr – If Joselu’s in the side, Real desperately need a runner and only Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can label themselves more destructive outlets than Vinicius. He’ll seek to penetrate the space between Barça’s right-back and right centre-back.