This Sunday, Real Madrid will kick off a demanding stretch of matches against Elche, setting the stage for a critical period in their season. The Merengues are gearing up for a relentless schedule, facing four consecutive away games until early December. Coach Xabi Alonso will have to navigate these challenges without several key players, as injuries have left his squad stretched thin. Notably, stars like Tchouaméni, Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Mastantuono, and Rüdiger are sidelined. The absences are precautionary measures as the team prepares for significant upcoming fixtures, including a trip to Greece next Wednesday to face Olympiakos.
As the team grapples with these injuries, Alonso’s tactical choices become increasingly crucial. The long list of unavailable players means he may need to make bold decisions regarding his starting eleven. Trent Alexander-Arnold is poised for a potential return to the starting lineup at right-back after recovering from an injury that kept him out for a month. His performance in this match could be pivotal as he seeks to establish himself in the squad following his absence during the Champions League campaign’s early stages.
Shifting Tactics and Lineup Adjustments
In defense, Raul Asencio is set to fill in for Eder Militao alongside Huijsen and Carreras, creating a makeshift backline that will need to gel quickly under pressure. Meanwhile, Fede Valverde‘s anticipated return to midfield marks another significant shift; after seven games spent in defense, he is expected to replace Aurélien Tchouaméni and partner with Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler in central roles. This change aims to bolster the midfield’s creativity and control against an Elche side that has started the season strongly.
Offensive Dynamics and Expectations
In attack, Brahim Diaz is likely to join Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. in a forward trio that aims to break down Elche’s defense effectively. With both Mbappé and Vinicius showcasing their explosive talents this season, their partnership could prove vital as Madrid looks to rebound from recent challenges. The pressure is on the Merengues not only to secure three points but also to regain momentum ahead of a demanding schedule.
As kickoff approaches at 21:00 local time, all eyes will be on how Xabi Alonso adapts his strategy amid these absences. Can Real Madrid rise to the occasion against a newly promoted team eager to prove itself? Fans will certainly hope so as they anticipate a thrilling encounter.
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