La Liga: Vinicius Jr starts for Real Madrid against Real Betis

After a disappointing draw against Levante last week, Carlo Ancelotti has reworked his side ahead of the Saturday night encounter against Real Betis. While Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways, Betis will be hoping the same as they have drawn their first two games. 

Meanwhile, after a phenomenal performance in the last game off the bench, Vinicius Jr. has almost instantly been rewarded with a slot in the starting lineup. For Betis, after a disappointing outing in the last two games, Borja Iglesias has been dropped to the bench.

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Real Madrid (4-3-3)

With Nacho Fernandez out injured, Ancelotti has opted for David Alaba and Eder Militao as the centre-back pairing. The Austrian had been impressing the pundits at the left-back spot in the last two games, but the absence of Nacho makes a necessity in the centre of the defensive line.

Filling in at the left-back spot will be Miguel Gutierrez, while  Daniel Carvajal is back in the starting lineup at right-back.

In the middle of the park, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ruled out of the game due to injuries, Los Blancos have fielded a paring of Isco and Federico Valverde along with Casemiro at the defensive midfield position.

Karim Benzema will lead the attack with Gareth Bale and Vinicius providing width. Eden Hazard, who hasn’t been at his usual best, will be starting from the bench.

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Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Gutierrez, Casemiro, Valverde, Isco, Vinicius, Bale, Benzema.

Real Betis (4-2-3-1)

As mentioned earlier, manager Manuel Pellegrini dropped Iglesias to the bench and Juanmi is expected to lead Real Betis’ forward line. 

Meanwhile, German Pezzella and Victor Ruiz will form the centre-back pairing for the club from Seville. Sergio Canales will play in the centre-attacking midfield. 

Betis starting XI: Silva, Montoya, Pezzella, Ruiz, Miranda, Rodriguez, Guardado, Juanmi, Canales, Fekir, Ruibal.