Real Madrid host Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday as LaLiga resumes following the first international break of the season.
The meeting brings together two sides looking to strengthen their position before turning their attention to forthcoming European commitments. Both teams will therefore view the eighth matchday fixture as an important test, with injuries and international duty affecting their preparations.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are dealing with a lengthy list of absentees in defence. Dean Huijsen is suspended, while Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are unavailable because of injury. Ibrahima Konate and Eder Militao also remain out.
There are concerns further forward as well. Rodrygo is continuing his recovery, while Fede Valverde has recently joined the club’s injury list. Kylian Mbappe was hurt during his time with the national team and is considered extremely doubtful for Saturday’s match.
The probable Real Madrid line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga
Forwards: Arda Guler, Carlos Espi, Vinicius Junior
Villarreal
Villarreal have also been left with a concern following the international break, particularly in attack.
Tajon Buchanan suffered a hamstring injury while representing his national team and is at risk of missing Villarreal’s next fixtures. His potential absence would remove an important attacking option for the Yellow Submarine as they prepare to visit the Spanish capital.
The probable Villarreal line-up is:
Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
Defenders: Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona
Midfielders: Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro, Nathan Saliba
Forwards: Nicolas Pepe, Georges Mikautadze, Ilias Akhomach
Real Madrid will soon play their eighth league match of the season against Villarreal. The match odds listed by 1xbet make the home side clear favourites, with Real Madrid priced at 1.36 to win. A draw is listed at 5.75, while Villarreal are rated at 7.50.