Real Madrid vs Alaves Lineups and Key Changes Ahead of Kickoff

Updated on: October 14, 2024 7:36 am GMT

Real Madrid is preparing for a key La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves this Tuesday, aiming to close the gap with league leaders Barcelona. With the title race intensifying, anticipation is building as fans await Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical approach against an Alaves team that has demonstrated promise this season.

Madrid enters the game on a strong run of form, having secured four straight victories across various competitions. Their most recent success was a commanding 4-1 win over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite this, Barcelona remains ahead, boasting a perfect record of six wins in six matches and holding a four-point lead in the standings.

Team News and Injury Updates

As Real Madrid prepares to face Alaves, managing player fitness will be crucial. Ancelotti has some decisions to make regarding his lineup, especially with a significant derby match against Atletico Madrid coming up this Sunday. Here’s a closer look at some key player updates:

• Jude Bellingham is nursing a shoulder knock from the match against Espanyol and may be rested.
• Vinicius Junior and Endrick are primed to step into the lineup after beginning the last match on the bench.
• Dani Carvajal, who left the last game due to an ankle injury, is likely to be replaced by Lucas Vazquez at right-back.
• Eduardo Camavinga (MCL injury), Dani Ceballos (ankle injury), Brahim Diaz (hamstring issue), and David Alaba (long-term absence) will not feature in this match.

The predicted starting eleven for Real Madrid in a 4-3-3 formation looks like this:

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy
• Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Güler
• Forwards: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Injured Players: Camavinga, Ceballos, Diaz, Alaba, Carvajal

Suspensions: None

Alaves Side Preparations

Deportivo Alaves is quietly making strides in the league, sitting comfortably at the seventh position after three wins from their first six matches. Their recent performance includes a notable win against Sevilla, showcasing their potential this season.

Coach Luis Garcia Plaza faces minimal injury concerns, with only goalkeeper Jesus Owono sidelined due to a muscular injury. Here’s how Alaves is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

• Goalkeeper: Sivera
• Defenders: Tenaglia, Abqar, Sedlar, Sanchez
• Midfielders: Guevara, Jordan
• Forwards: Carlos Vicente, Stoichkov, Toni Martinez

Injured Players: Owono

Suspensions: None

Key Players to Watch

As the match approaches, both teams have players that could be pivotal to their chances of victory.

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Even if he starts on the bench, his past performances have been instrumental in Madrid’s campaign so far.
• Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid): Potentially back in the starting lineup, his ability to create and convert chances cannot be overlooked.
• Carlos Vicente (Alaves): With two goals this season, Vicente is one of Alaves’ main threats looking to exploit any gaps in Madrid’s backline.
• Toni Martinez (Alaves): Also with two goals, his striking precision will be crucial for Alaves to challenge Madrid effectively.

Match Predictions and Strategies

Real Madrid will be keen on maintaining their winning streak while keeping an eye on their upcoming derby match. This might force Ancelotti to balance squad rotation and competitive spirit. On the other hand, Alaves will aim to capitalize on any slip-ups, leveraging their solid form to challenge the giants of Spanish football.

Predicted Strategies:

• Real Madrid: Expect quick transitions from defense to attack, utilizing the pace of their wingers and the creativity of their midfielders.
• Deportivo Alaves: They’ll likely adopt a compact formation, looking to frustrate Madrid and hit on the counterattack when opportunities arise.

Where to Watch

Fans will be able to catch the match live on ESPN+, with comprehensive coverage of all La Liga fixtures.

as Real Madrid faces Deportivo Alaves, the match represents not just another game but a critical juncture in their title chase. With Barcelona setting a formidable pace, every point counts. Both teams look to seize the moment, making this a highly anticipated match for fans.

With injuries and tactical decisions looming, it remains to be seen how the match will unfold, but one thing is for sure: both sides will bring their best to the pitch in pursuit of crucial points in La Liga.