Predicted Lineup For Real Madrid vs Valencia In La Liga As Star Players Missing

Madrid, Spain – With La Liga’s matchday spotlight falling on the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday, February 8, Real Madrid will welcome Valencia under unusual circumstances: several of the club’s headline names are unavailable. While the club has yet to confirm the extent of the absentees, anticipation is building over how the reshuffle will affect the starting XI.

Los Blancos enter the contest mindful that dropped points could prove costly in the title race, making the composition of the lineup a talking point across the capital. The predicted XI, based on the latest club release, is as follows:

Andriy Lunin – Goalkeeper Lucas Vázquez – Right-back Antonio Rüdiger – Centre-back Nacho – Centre-back Ferland Mendy – Left-back Federico Valverde – Central midfielder Aurelién Tchouaméni – Central midfielder Eduardo Camavinga – Central midfielder Joselu – Right wing Brahim Díaz – Attacking midfielder Vinícius Júnior – Left wing

The omission of several regular starters is expected to test Madrid’s squad depth, yet the predicted lineup still carries a blend of European experience and youthful energy. Federico Valverde’s engine-room presence will be pivotal, while Vinícius Júnior’s pace on the break offers a constant threat to Valencia’s back line.

Valencia, sitting mid-table, have already shown they can frustrate the league’s heavyweights this season, so the hosts can ill-afford a disjointed performance. How the makeshift back four copes with Los Che’s counter-attacks, and whether Joselu can provide a focal point in attack, could decide the outcome.

Kickoff is scheduled for 16:15 CET, and with Barcelona and Girona keeping the pressure on at the summit, Real Madrid know anything less than three points will be viewed as a slip-up in the race for the Spanish championship.