Zinedine Zidane will already have a very good idea of what his starting XI for the Champions League final against Liverpool will look like.
However, he’ll no doubt be mulling over his options in a few positions.
With Real Madrid facing Villarreal away from home in La Liga on Saturday night, it presents a few players with the opportunity to force their way into the manager’s plans.
DANI CARVAJAL
Whether Cristiano Ronaldo plays well or not or even at all against Villarreal, his place in the starting line-up for the final is guaranteed as long as he is able.
The same can’t be said with such authority of Dani Carvajal’s spot as the defender also returns from injury. When fit, he is undoubtedly first choice at right-back for Los Blancos but the Spaniard has been out of action for nearly a month now.
He needs to prove his fitness and sharpness against Villarreal before Zidane can field him against Sadio Mane with complete confidence.
Achraf Hakimi has impressed of late and could fill in while Nacho remains an option.
Dani Carvajal
ISCO
Whether or not to play Isco is always up for discussion. He’s a tremendous creative force and a real goal threat but there’s also a very specific way in which he has to be deployed against tough opposition.
It means Madrid sacrifices some width in attack with the Spaniard usually deployed in a 4-3-1-2 formation behind two forwards. They’re also left a little bit light from a defensive aspect with Isco not particularly renowned for his contributions without possession.
Given the attacking threat of Liverpool, especially from wide areas, Zidane will be considering a straight 4-3-3 instead. A fine display against Villarreal though may just shift the weights in Isco’s favour.
Isco
KARIM BENZEMA
Madrid’s first choice striker has scored just 11 times in 45 appearances this season. Regardless of Karim Benzema’s overall contribution to the team’s play, that’s a record that simply can’t be accepted at the Bernabeu.
It’s no secret that Zidane values his compatriot’s influence on games but given Gareth Bale’s recent form, he’ll have a decision to make.
If he chooses to play a 4-3-1-2 against Liverpool, Bale does indeed stake a claim to partner Ronaldo up front. Meanwhile, a 4-3-3 could also see the Welshman included on one flank with Marco Asensio on the other and Ronaldo through the middle.
Benzema’s place is hardly nailed on.
Karim Benzema.