Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal - La Liga

Having added Kylian Mbappe to their exceptionally-talented squad ahead of the 2024/25 season, many expected Real Madrid to be invincible this term. However, that hasn't quite been the case.

Wednesday brought Madrid's first defeat of the campaign as Lille shocked them in the league phase of the Champions League. While they are unbeaten in La Liga, last weekend's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid means they have won just five of their opening eight matches.

By anyone else's standards, it would still be a pretty impressive beginning to 2024/25. But this is Real Madrid. The kings of kings.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have one final chance to secure victory before the October international break when they host over-achievers Villarreal on Saturday. The Yellow Submarine currently sit third in the table and Madrid will have to conquer them with some important players absent.

Here is how Madrid could line up this weekend.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-3-3)

GK: Andriy Lunin - With Thibaut Courtois once again on the treatment table, his understudy Lunin will have to fill the void. The Ukrainian produced a fine double save midweek against Lille and showed his ability to replicate Courtois' heroics last season.

RB: Dani Carvajal - The veteran was undoubtedly his side's strongest performer in France and the club captain will need to rouse the troops against a fiery Villarreal side. He will be tasked with handling Alex Baena, who has a goal and four assists in his last four outings.

CB: Aurelien Tchouameni - With Eder Militao a major doubt after sustaining a thigh injury against Lille, Tchouameni will likely fill his centre-back spot this weekend. The defensive midfielder has grown all too accustomed with featuring in the backline over the past year.

CB: Antonio Rudiger - The immovable member of Madrid's injury-prone rearguard, Rudiger leads the way for blocks and clearances per 90 in La Liga among his teammates. The German's significance to Los Blancos cannot be overstated.

LB: Ferland Mendy - After being hooked at half-time against Lille, Mendy will be hoping to see Saturday's game out. That shouldn't be an issue, with Fran Garcia still some way off seriously challenging his starting berth.

CM: Federico Valverde - Operating on the right of a 4-4-2 against Lille didn't bring the best out in Valverde, who has made a largely excellent and typically consistent start to the campaign. Slotting back into a midfield three should raise his performance levels.

CM: Eduardo Camavinga - With his compatriot Tchouameni sinking into the back four, Camavinga will anchor Madrid's midfield against Villarreal. He may be a little rusty given Wednesday was his first appearance of the season.

CM: Jude Bellingham - When you make such a lightning fast start to your debut campaign, expectations are naturally high for your second season. Bellingham has been promising when fit but he's yet to reach his peak and is still without a goal this term.

RW: Rodrygo - Rodrygo missed the midweek defeat due to a minor injury and should return to the starting XI on Saturday. The Brazilian will be eager to add to his three La Liga goals this season, although he's managed just one strike in nine previous meetings with Villarreal.

ST: Kylian Mbappe - The French dynamo wasn't expected to return until after the international break following a hamstring injury, but even his appearance off the bench against Lille couldn't spark a late comeback. Still, Ancelotti will be relieved to have him back for the weekend.

LW: Vinicius Junior - Three goals and four assists in eight La Liga outings isn't a bad start for Vinicius, yet it feels as if he's still got gears to go through. He was quiet midweek and will be happy to return to his favoured left wing on Saturday.