Bellingham, Cucurella start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Real Sociedad

Bellingham, Cucurella start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Real Sociedad Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu tonight as they host Real Sociedad in their postponed Matchday 1 fixture, with Jose Mourinho looking to make it two La Liga wins from two. Madrid opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Espanyol, where Jude Bellingham scored before summer signing Carlos Espi grabbed a dramatic late winner. Mourinho will now take charge of his first competitive game at the Bernabeu since returning to the club. The manager still has several absentees to contend with. Aurelien Tchouameni and Endrick remain unavailable after continuing to train away from the group, while Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Thiago Pitarch are also out. Mourinho has nevertheless named a strong 23-man squad , with Eduardo Camavinga available and youngsters Jorge Cestero, Alexis Ciria and Mario Rivas included. With Madrid having played just four days ago, some changes could be on the cards against Real Sociedad, and here is how Mourinho can set his team up. Defence Denzel Dumfries is likely to retain his place. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) There should be no debate in goal, with Thibaut Courtois continuing as Mourinho’s first choice ahead of Andriy Lunin. The latter is expected to be limited to minutes in the Copa del Rey. Denzel Dumfries should retain his place at right-back after starting against Espanyol. The Dutchman provides the physicality and attacking thrust Mourinho values. Should Jose decide to make a change, though, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains another high-level option. One possible alteration could come on the opposite flank, as Marc Cucurella could make his Madrid debut from the bench against Espanyol . After building up his fitness, he could now be handed his first start at the club at the Bernabeu, shortly after being felicitated for the World Cup win. At centre-back, Dean Huijsen should continue, while Ibrahima Konate also retains his place ahead of Antonio Rudiger. Midfield Bernardo Silva will have a huge role to play. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Tchouameni’s continued absence means Jose must once again find the right balance without his natural defensive midfielder. Bernardo Silva should continue in the deeper role after starting against Espanyol. His ability to dictate possession could be particularly important against Sociedad. Club captain Federico Valverde is the obvious choice alongside him, providing the legs, intensity and defensive coverage needed to compensate for Bernardo’s playmaking profile. Further forward, Jude Bellingham is nailed on to keep his place as the No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1 and will hope to add to his goal tally against the Basque club. Attack Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the line once again. Yan Diomande could make his first start for Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Even with Espi pushing his case after scoring the winner last weekend, displacing the French superstar from the starting striker role remains extremely difficult. On the left, Vinicius Junior should retain his place and will be hoping for a more decisive performance after an eventful outing against Espanyol. He made the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the game against the Catalan club and will hope for his game to do the talking this time around. The biggest question comes on the right flank. Arda Guler started the league opener and had an excellent game, but Mourinho could change things up here. Yan Diomande was officially presented at Madrid yesterday and could be in line for his first competitive start at his new club. Mourinho has plenty of attacking options from the bench if required, with Espi, Brahim and Guler all capable of changing the game.