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

Mbappe, Trent start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Villarreal Following a three-week hiatus due to the international break, Real Madrid are back in action later tonight as they host Villarreal in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu . The Spanish capital giants find themselves under intense pressure, having succumbed to a defeat to Atletico Madrid in the derby right before the break. The result has left Jose Mourinho & co. trailing arch-rivals FC Barcelona by six points, with the Catalans sitting comfortably at the top of the table, having won all of their matches so far. Therefore, Real Madrid have no margin for error as they take on Villarreal, knowing that another slip-up could put further distance between themselves and Hansi Flick’s men. The good news for Mourinho is that he has recovered some of his injured stars as Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate are back to fitness after returning from international duty with minor injuries. Furthermore, Federico Valverde, who suffered an injury in the derby, has also recovered and been included in the squad list to face the Yellow Submarine. However, Eder Militao remains unavailable, along with Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio, and Rodrygo Goes. Dean Huijsen also misses out through suspension. Here’s how Real Madrid could take the field at the Santiago Bernabeu against Villarreal. Defence Thibaut Courtois will man the goal as usual for Real Madrid and will be hoping to keep a clean sheet, having not managed a single one in their last five matches. Fit to start. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Meanwhile, in defence, Ibrahima Konate is expected to start from the get-go despite only recently recovering from a knock, given the absences in defence. Partnering the summer signing will be veteran defender Antonio Rudiger . There is intense competition at right-back, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to edge out Denzel Dumfries for the starting spot, considering that he had a lighter workload during the international break compared to the Dutchman. On the opposite side, Alvaro Carreras is expected to get the nod ahead of summer signing Marc Cucurella, who was heavily involved with Spain during the international window. Midfield Mourinho has yet to figure out his best midfield combination as Real Madrid look for ways to control and dictate matches. While Fede Valverde has started each of Real Madrid’s games so far, he is only returning from a considerably serious ankle injury and might not be risked from the start. This should pave the way for veteran star Bernardo Silva to start in the centre of the park, from where he will hope to provide the team with creativity and vision. Bernardo Silva to get a starting berth? (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images) Partnering the Portuguese international will be Aurelien Tchouameni , who has worked hard during the international break to regain his peak fitness and rhythm. Eduardo Camavinga, who impressed for France under Zinedine Zidane, will have minutes off the bench. Jude Bellingham has been Real Madrid’s best player so far this season and will line up as the attacking midfielder. Attack There has been a lot of talk surrounding Vinicius Jr and his poor form and the possibility that Mourinho could decide to bench the Brazilian. However, for now, the superstar winger is expected to start against Villarreal on the left flank. On the right side of the attack, Arda Guler is expected to get the nod from the get-go, meaning marquee summer signing Yan Diomande will have to wait for his opportunity. Kylian Mbappe , despite only recently recovering from an injury, will be leading the line for Real Madrid tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.