Madrid’s starting XI takes shape for La Liga clash at La Cartuja

Real Madrid are preparing for a demanding away fixture against Real Betis on Friday evening, with Jose Mourinho considering further changes to his team for the La Liga match at La Cartuja.

According to AS, Mourinho is assessing several alterations to the side as Real Madrid look to secure another positive result on the road. The possibility of Aurelien Tchouameni being fit to play remains open, but Bernardo Silva is expected to replace Eduardo Camavinga in midfield.

Arda Guler is also in contention for a starting place. The Turkey international is set to occupy a position in which Brahim Diaz started during the previous match against Malaga, with Diaz now likely to drop out of the expected line-up.

Mourinho has already made significant changes to his defence this season and is preparing to adjust the back line once again for the meeting with Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Denzel Dumfries is strongly tipped to start at right-back, although he faces competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alexander-Arnold took advantage of his most recent opportunity and demonstrated that he remains firmly involved in the contest for the position.

There is also uncertainty at centre-back, where Ibrahima Konate and Antonio Rudiger are competing for one of the two available places in the heart of the defence. The expected XI currently includes Konate alongside Dean Huijsen.

Marc Cucurella has begun to establish himself on the left side and is expected to continue receiving opportunities. His recent progress has strengthened his claim for regular involvement as Real Madrid rotate their defensive options.

Friday’s match will be Real Madrid’s second away game of the season. Their attack is again expected to feature the same three players who have not been rested so far: Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

That selection would leave Yan Diomande waiting a little longer for his first start. Mourinho is following a gradual plan in managing the Ivory Coast player and appears ready to introduce him progressively rather than immediately placing him in the starting XI.

The expected Real Madrid line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defenders: Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries

Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, Federico Valverde

Forwards: Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid face a difficult test against a Real Betis team managed by Pellegrini, while Mourinho’s planned changes underline the competition for places across the squad. Camavinga and Brahim Diaz are among those facing a possible absence from the starting team, while Silva, Guler and Dumfries are pushing for prominent roles.

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