Real Madrid's injury issues have been well documented and that is why Carlo Ancelotti will be pleased with a home La Liga game against 19th-placed Granada on the calendar for this weekend.
The away side are having a torrid season and chose to change their coach during the week, so this will be Alexander Medina's first match in charge if his new team. The fact it is away against the league leaders is far from ideal.
Real Madrid have used a different shape in the last couple of games which is thanks to a lack of fit central midfielders at the club, but they have continued winning nonetheless - beating Cadiz 3-0 in La Liga and Napoli 4-2 in the Champions League.
With a place at the top of the table to defend, here is the XI that Carlo Ancelotti may choose when Real Madrid host Granada.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Granada (4-2-2-2)
GK: Andriy Lunin - He is getting a long run of games in the team now thanks to the injuries to Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arrizabalaga, but the latter is making his way back to fitness.
RB: Dani Carvajal - One of the most experienced heads in the team, Carvajal continues to do his thing at right back.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - Not many Chelsea fans were concerned when Rudiger left the club but they would certainly take this version of him back. He has stepped up in Eder Militao's absence.
CB: David Alaba - There is no one who will usurp Alaba at the moment, Ancelotti will be very pleased that the Austrian has stayed fit recently.
LB: Ferland Mendy - There is a chance that Ancelotti gives Fran Garcia minutes here given the opposition, but the smart money is on Mendy starting.
CM: Federico Valverde - Ancelotti is basically left with two central midfielders at the moment. Valverde was already a starting midfielder with everyone fit so his inclusion is a no-brainer.
CM: Toni Kroos - He wanted more game time and now he is getting it. Kroos will love having so much talent ahead of him so he can easily start attacks.
CAM: Brahim Diaz - He played as more of a striker against Napoli but Brahim may be used alongside Jude Bellingham in this game to make room for another forward.
CAM: Jude Bellingham - He can't stop and he won't stop. Bellingham scored against Napoli in the Champions League, and he will probably score here as well.
ST: Joselu - This seems like an ideal fixture to give Joselu some minutes in as Granada will likely sit deep and invite pressure. A poacher's presence in the box could be helpful.
ST: Rodrygo - Rodrygo will continue in this attacking role as he seeks to build a healthy goal tally that reflects the size of his recent contract extension.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Granada - La Liga.
