Guler, Trent start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Elche

Guler, Trent start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Elche Real Madrid will lock horns with Elche CF away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight in Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 La Liga season. The Merengues are currently second in the league standings with four wins and one defeat from five games, three points behind Barcelona, who are yet to drop a single point this term, and have looked unstoppable. Given the situation, Real Madrid know there is no room for slip-up, even though it is still very early in the season. Jose Mourinho’s men have not been particularly convincing away from home this term, having just about managed to beat RCD Espanyol in their opening match before falling to their only defeat of the campaign against Real Betis. The hope will be to address that issue and put in a strong performance while collecting all three points heading into the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the week. Going into the match, Los Blancos have not received any new fitness boosts, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable. However, there will likely be some rotations with an eye on the derby, and here’s how Mourinho could set his team up against Elche tonight. Defence Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to share minutes with summer signing Denzel Dumfries so far this season, but will be hoping to make the right-back spot his own with a convincing performance tonight against Elche. Set to return to the lineup. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Meanwhile, on the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to retain his place after a brilliant display at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which would also allow Marc Cucurella to be protected before the derby. At centre-back, Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Antonio Rudiger, and partner with Ibrahima Konate . Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will continue his search for a second clean sheet this season. Midfield While Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from his injury layoff, he is unlikely to be rushed back by Mourinho. As such, the Frenchman is likely to feature off the bench once again tonight at Elche. Instead, the double pivot pairing of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva is expected to take the field once again, with Eduardo Camavinga also having to settle for a spot among the substitutes. Jude Bellingham has started all of Real Madrid’s matches so far this season and given his form and importance to the team, Mourinho will not rotate him tonight against Elche. Attack Guler has been very impressive. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Yan Diomande made his first start at Real Madrid last weekend against Rayo Vallecano but failed to make the best impression. Meanwhile, Arda Guler was once again brilliant for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute, making a strong case for him to be reinstated to the starting XI on the right wing. As for the left side of the attack, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, hoping to find his best form after a rather slow start to the campaign. Kylian Mbappe , who has now scored six goals in La Liga this season, will spearhead the attack, hoping to end his run of seven months without scoring away from home in the league.