Vini Jr and Mbappe Fate Revealed: Real Madrid's Explosive Lineup Decisions for Real Sociedad Clash
Real Madrid host high-flying Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu this Saturday evening, looking to reclaim their position at the summit of La Liga.
This promises to be an electrifying encounter. Though Madrid boast a perfect league record under new boss Álvaro Arbeloa, they may face their sternest challenge to date. Sociedad are soaring under Pellegrino Matarazzo, who has transformed La Real into a formidable counter-attacking force.
The Saturday visitors arrive undefeated in 11 matches, sitting eighth in La Liga and poised for the Copa del Rey final—where they would likely meet Atlético Madrid unless Barcelona can somehow overturn their devastating 4–0 defeat at the Metropolitano.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Real Madrid have Vinicius Junior available again for Sociedad's arrival after the Brazilian completed his one-match ban for yellow card accumulation at Valencia. He'll link up with Kylian Mbappé on Saturday evening, with Arbeloa confirming the French striker has recovered from a knock that made him questionable for the fixture.
Nevertheless, the home side are missing Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo through hamstring problems. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been absent for much of the campaign with recurring hamstring troubles, though he returned to action for Arbeloa's team last weekend.
Ferland Mendy has resumed training, though he was absent from the matchday roster last Sunday. Éder Militão remains far from his comeback.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois secured his maiden clean sheet at the Mestalla for Real Madrid last weekend, and he'll certainly anticipate a hectic night when the dynamic Sociedad visit.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—The adaptable England star might not be prepared for a full start, but Arbeloa has a fondness for his marquee players. The Madrid manager could restore Alexander-Arnold to the lineup immediately after his substitute appearance at Valencia.
CB: Raúl Asencio—Antonio Rüdiger returned to the substitutes' bench previously, but Asencio's solid display should ensure he maintains his position.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Huijsen ought to be a certainty for the remainder of the campaign, provided he remains healthy. The Spanish defender will be charged with containing Mikel Oyarzabal, who has rediscovered his form under Matarazzo.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—The summer signing was an unexpected scorer at the Mestalla and should hold onto his left-back spot while Mendy's availability remains uncertain.
DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—An ever-present force in Madrid's midfield engine, it appears improbable for Arbeloa to alter his approach with Tchouaméni.
DM: Federico Valverde—The tenacious Uruguayan has divided his time between right-back and central midfield this campaign. Better options at the former position mean Valverde could feature once more in the heart of midfield.
RW: Franco Mastantuono—The Argentine might be restored to the starting eleven after his substitute role last Sunday. Mastantuono hasn't yet dazzled at the Bernabéu, making this an ideal opportunity to truly make his mark.
AM: Arda Güler—The gifted Turkish creator is an exceptional technician, though Sociedad represent a shrewd defensive outfit that lays snares in central zones before launching swift transitions.
LW: Vinicius Junior—Madrid functioned admirably without Vinicius Jr last weekend, particularly defensively, but it's difficult to envision anything but his immediate return. The Brazilian delivered a spectacular moment in his last Bernabéu appearance against Rayo Vallecano.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Arbeloa has verified that his top scorer is ready for Sociedad's visit, and they'll require the Frenchman on Saturday night in what might become a goal fest. Mbappé extended his La Liga scoring record with a late strike against Valencia to secure victory.