Starting off the preseason with a 1-3 loss against PSG, Real Madrid have proved to still be stuck in vacation mode. The next challenge will be Chelsea as the team travels to Michigan.
It’s best for the players to make mistakes now rather than in the UEFA Super Cup or the La Liga start. This should be another good test for both squads as rival coach Antonio Conte prepares for his Premier League coaching debut.
Preferred Formation: 4-4-2
We saw Zinedine Zidane use this system in Wednesday’s match. Surprisingly without Karim Benzema and with Danilo from the start, the summer jet lag probably affected the productivity of the layout.
This time around the coach may change a few players from the get-go. The second half substitutes showed a lot more spark and a need to impress the coach in any way possible, so they may be rewarded.
GK: Kiko Casilla
He conceded the three goals that cost Real the defeat. However, it’s good to point out that the defense didn’t really help at all. Unless the coach wants to use the two keepers who didn’t play on Wednesday, it seems like Kiko will start.
Defense
RB: Dani Carvajal
He became the voice of experience in the second half as he was the oldest player on the pitch. It was strange to see Danilo start, but this is one of the positions with the most intense competition, so it’ll always be 50/50.
CB: Raphäel Varane
While he may want to play more and become more important, he has to prove he’s able to lead the defense, order them to pressure and move forward. This didn’t happen on Wednesday, yet it could get better with time.
CB: Nacho Fernández
Like his partner, he couldn’t do anything to stop Ikone from scoring the opening goal. A move away is still a possibility for the defender. There’s a chance captain Sergio Ramos will play instead.
LB: Marcelo
He wore the captain’s bracelet once again. It wasn’t until the penalty was awarded that he was able to contribute something. Everyone’s lack of form is understandable. Zidane must keep preparing them for official competitions.
Midfield
RM: Lucas Vázquez
His usual spark wasn’t as effective versus PSG. Nevertheless, he’s a good resource to always have available. James Rodríguez may be the surprise if the manager sees him fit enough to perform well.
RCM: Casemiro
The first preseason game isn’t always smooth and the Brazilian was also affected by the team’s lack of intensity. He’ll definitely be the most prepared for the UEFA Super Cup, so he’s going to keep on playing to get in the proper rhythm.
LCM: Mateo Kovačić
He had a chance to score, yet Trapp and the woodwork stopped him. Like the rest of the team, he was a bit lethargic, but his odds of starting again are good. Marcos Llorente would be the other alternative.
LM: Marco Asensio
Out of all the youngsters who joined in the second half, he was one of the few who took control and gave good vibrations. Zidane could try him again, as he may become a useful squad member this season.
Attack
ST: Karim Benzema
The Frenchman was expected to play, so it was a surprise to see Jesé instead. Because the Spanish attacker had a disappointing performance, the heavy artillery will most likely appear in the starting 11.
ST: Álvaro Morata
His return to the starting lineup was garnering a great level of expectation. still he couldn’t do much. He’ll play again, since Zidane may want to evaluate if keeping him is the right way to go or if a sale is.
(4-4-2)
