Title: New Tactics and Key Changes in Real Madrid's Lineup Against Las Palmas
Facing Las Palmas at the Bernabeu in a La Liga showdown on Sunday, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti finds himself in a tricky situation due to Vinicius Jr.'s suspension. The Brazilian will sit out the game as he serves the final match of his suspension, handed down on January 3 during a 2-1 comeback victory against Valencia.
As Madrid prepares to take on a foe that recently toppled title rival FC Barcelona, Ancelotti is in for a tough test, especially considering Las Palmas' impressive recent form.
Holding a prematch press conference on Saturday, Ancelotti expressed his thoughts on the league fixtures, subtly criticizing Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone. Emphasizing the importance of every La Liga game, Ancelotti highlighted the team's proximity to first place and their goal to accumulate points.
Having played 120 minutes in the Copa del Rey last 16 match against Celta Vigo – winning 5-2 after extra time with the score tied at 2-2 – Ancelotti admitted that some of his players are still recovering.
With Atletico dropping points in a 1-0 loss to Leganes, Madrid stands a chance to seize an opportunity and enhance their position at the summit, potentially extending their lead over FC Barcelona to two clear points.
Thibaut Courtois will replace Andriy Lunin in goal regardless, while the backline remains the same from the previous game. Amid injuries, however, some changes in the midfield are inevitable. Aurelien Tchouameni, who partnered Ancelotti against Celta, will join Fede Valverde in a double pivot, as Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric will be left out.
Changing the system from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, Jude Bellingham will be the most advanced midfielder, with Rodrygo standing in for Vinicius Jr. on the left wing and Brahim Diaz continuing his two-game streak on the right.
Upfront, Kylian Mbappe, donning the central number 9 role, will lead the attack.
Enrichment Insights:
- Vinicius Jr.'s suspension:
- Sent off against Valencia on January 3, serving his two-match ban in La Liga beginning with this Las Palmas match.
- Other Injuries:
- Eduardo Camavinga: Out for three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained during the Copa del Rey match against Celta Vigo.
- Eder Militao: Out due to a knee injury.
- Dani Carvajal: Out due to a knee injury.
- David Alaba: Back in the squad after a lengthy layoff, but not expected to return until later in January and not confirmed to play against Las Palmas.
These factors might affect Real Madrid's game strategy as they face Las Palmas in La Liga.
- Despite Vinicius Jr.'s absence due to serving the final match of his suspension, handed down on January 3 against Valencia, Real Madrid will look to outperform Las Palmas at the Bernabeu.
- With Atletico Madrid dropping points against Leganes, Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid have a potential opportunity to increase their lead over FC Barcelona in La Liga, provided they can secure a victory against Las Palmas.
- Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal's injuries could force Ancelotti to make adjustments to the backline, while Eduardo Camavinga's three-week absence might necessitate changes in the midfield.
- Jude Bellingham, who delivered a strong performance against Celta Vigo, could take center stage in the midfield, with Kylian Mbappe leading the attack in Vinicius Jr.'s absence.
