Unionistas Vs Real Madrid: The Starting 11

The upcoming match is against Unionistas de Salamanca, away from home in the Copa del Rey round of 32. This is a knockout game, though the opponent is from second division it could get a bit tricky, for sure Madrid is not going to take any risks this time out.

Looking at the 

Injury list:

1. Asensio
2. Hazard

Both these players have been injured for a long time now. And have not been practicing with the team. We hope their recovery is faster and soon they start playing with the team.

Suspended:

1. None

Just recovered:

1. James
2. Marcelo
3. Lucas Vazquez
4. Bale

As per ZZ Bale and James were not ready to join the squad last week.

Practiced:

Asensio and Hazard continue their recovery processes. Others are practicing with the team.

Skipped Practice:

None

Coach Comments:

• Nothing specific

Other Comments:

• This is a knockout game and there is no 2nd leg for recovery, so ZZ will have to play a strong enough team

Squad Updates:

This is a crucial game for the Copa del Rey.

In the goal Areola will start and provide Courtois will be rested, having got several good games in the past, things look definitely very positive for both and Real Madrid.

Ramos is now available but might not be risked, so Militao and Nacho should be seen in the starting 11 and as Marcelo had a muscular injury and just returned he was a bit scrappy but should start. So Marcelo, Militao, Nacho and Carvajal will start. Defence has been in good form and is expected to prevent the occasional errors those have led to the goals in the past games.

All the four super mid-fielders are doing great, Modric, Kroos, Valverde and Casemiro. And now Isco is added to that, there are 5 options available as starters, a very difficult decision for ZZ. Taking the past game's rigor and current fitness level into considerations it is going to be Valverde, James and Brahim in the middle. Kroos, Casemiro and Modric will be on the bench.

As Hazard and Asensio have been injured and the game needs to provide play time to other players. So, Vinicius, Jovic and Bale should start. Benzema should be present on the bench.

So the formation would be 4 4 2, with Jovic and Bale leading the attack.

So the final starting 11 will be: