Dumfries, Bernardo start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Racing Santander

Dumfries, Bernardo start in a 4-2-3-1: How Real Madrid can line up against Racing Santander Real Madrid will be aiming to make it six wins in six games in all competitions when they take on Racing Santander in La Liga on Sunday . The Merengues are going through their best run of form since Jose Mourinho returned in the summer, picking up important victories in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Real Madrid secured their most important result of the season so far last weekend when they beat league leaders Barcelona 1-2 at the Spotify Camp Nou. Real Madrid remain third in the La Liga table, three points behind Barcelona and four below Atletico Madrid who moved to the top of the standings after beating Levante on Saturday. So, the goal will be to secure all three points and keep pace with those above. Los Blancos , however, go into the game without their captain Federico Valverde , as he has been rested due to a physical issue he picked up in El Clasico . Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. is also unavailable as he continues to serve his suspension, while Rodrygo Goes, Raul Asencio, and Ferland Mendy are not part of the travelling squad either. There is some good news for the Spanish capital club on the fitness front as key player Thibayt Courtois is back in the squad after missing the trip to Barcelona due to an illness. Back and ready to start. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Here’s how Real Madrid could line up against the newly-promoted Racing Santander side, who can pose a strong challenge at home. Defence With Thibaut Courtois back in the squad, he is expected to reclaim his starting spot in the Real Madrid goal, replacing Andriy Lunin, who produced a fine display in the Clasico victory. Federico Valverde’s absence opens up a spot in defence and summer signing Denzel Dumfries appears set to start ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. The Dutchman is currently ahead of the England international in Jose Mourinho’s order of preference and should, therefore, feature from the get-go at El Sardinero. There may be another alteration at the heart of the defence, with veteran defender Antonio Rudiger getting a game, while Dean Huijsen moves out to make space. Ibrahima Konate ought to continue as the second centre-back, while fellow summer signing Marc Cucurella retains his place at left-back. Midfield Bernardo Silva started against Barcelona last weekend and was a key part of Real Madrid’s triumph, offering a greater degree of control with the ball from midfield. As such, he is expected to hold on to his place tomorrow against Racing Santander. Growing in stature. (Picture credit: Real Madrid website) Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni will continue to pair up with the Portuguese international in the double pivot, providing the defensive security. Jude Bellingham has established himself as one of the untouchables in the Real Madrid setup under Mourinho and will continue playing as the attacking midfielder. Attack With no Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande becomes the obvious choice to start on the left flank for the Spanish capital club. The teenage summer signing has come into his own in recent weeks and will hope to continue in the same vein of form. Kylian Mbappe , who scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid in the Clasico , will continue operating as the centre-forward. Finally, it will be Arda Guler , who has grown into a very influential part of Mourinho’s setup, lining up on the right wing. The likes of Brahim Diaz, Endrick, and Carlos Espi will once again feature on the bench.