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

Bellingham, Guler start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Atletico Madrid Real Madrid will face their toughest test of the season so far on Sunday as they take on Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Matchday 7 of La Liga. The Merengues head into the game with five wins in six league outings, seated second in the standings behind FC Barcelona, who have won six in six so far. Real Madrid’s latest game ended in a 3-2 win over Elche, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from new signing Carlos Espi. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are fourth in the standings, with 13 points from six games, and head into the derby on the back of consecutive 3-0 victories over Real Sociedad and CA Osasuna. Los Blancos have not enjoyed the best of record on their visit to the Metropolitano in La Liga in recent years, and Jose Mourinho will be keen on bucking that trend and picking up all three points heading into the international break. Leading up to the derby, Real Madrid continue to be without three players in Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy. Having made a few changes to the lineup for the trip to Elche, here’s how Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team against Atletico tomorrow. Defence Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid and will be in for a hostile reception as is the case every time he plays at the Metropolitano. Denzel Dumfries should start at right-back. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Meanwhile, at right-back, summer arrival Denzel Dumfries is expected to come into the side, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, having won the battle for the first-choice right-back. On the opposite side, World Cup winner Marc Cucurella is likely to continue ahead of Alvaro Carreras, despite the latter impressing on his last start against Rayo Vallecano. Dean Huijsen , back into the Spain squad after missing the World Cup, will pair up with Ibrahima Konate at centre-back. Midfield Aurelien Tchouameni made his first start of the new season against Elche, having fully recovered from his injury. The Frenchman is seen as an integral player by Mourinho and his staff in order to provide balance and stability to the team. As such, he is expected to feature from the get-go again in the derby. Partnering Tchouameni in the centre of the park will be club captain Federico Valverde , who has been a permanent fixture in the team under the new manager. Bellingham expected to return. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) As far as the attacking midfield role is concerned, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the lineup after being rested by Mourinho against Elche. The England international has made a brilliant start to the season and will be key for Real Madrid to come out on top in the derby. Attack As for the attacking unit, there will be a change on the right flank with new signing Yan Diomande expected to drop out of the team after back-to-back starts. Instead, Arda Guler , who has excelled under Mourinho this term, will take up the position, from where he will look to create chances for his fellow attackers. Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack for Real Madrid, while Vinicius Jr. will take up his usual place on the left wing. The Brazilian will need to step up after a few underwhelming displays so far.