Real Madrid will begin their Liga season away to Espanyol on Saturday, with both sides managing a number of absences and expected changes following a busy transfer window.
The match will be the first official fixture of the campaign for Real Madrid and the first competitive game under manager Jose Mourinho. The Spanish giants have strengthened significantly during the summer, but they will be without Eder Militao and Rodrygo for the trip to Barcelona. Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Pitarch are also expected to miss the game.
Kylian Mbappe is set to lead the visiting side’s attack as Real Madrid start the new Liga season among the leading contenders for the title. The club’s summer additions include Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konate.
The likely Real Madrid XI is:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Antonio Rudiger, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior
Forward: Kylian Mbappe
Espanyol will look to Roberto Fernandez to provide the attacking threat after he scored twice against Levante. Tyrhys Dolan is also reported to be in strong form, although the home team have doubts over Kike Garcia and Javi Puado because of injuries.
The Catalan club have also reshaped their squad during the transfer window. Hartman, Gabriel Moscardo, Unai Nunez, Vanja Drkusic and Alex Calatrava have arrived, while several important players have departed.
Marko Dmitrovic is expected to start in goal, with Espanyol’s probable line-up featuring a new-look defence and midfield.
The likely Espanyol XI is:
Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrovic
Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Clemens Riedel, Unai Nunez, Roger Hinojo
Midfielders: Urko Gonzalez, Edu Exposito, Alex Calatrava, Javi Hernandez, Tyrhys Dolan
Forward: Roberto Fernandez
The fixture is scheduled to be Espanyol’s second match of the Spanish championship, with Real Madrid travelling to face them at the start of their Liga campaign. The meeting is expected to provide an early test of Mourinho’s new-look team, particularly with several established players unavailable.
Pre-match betting odds from 1xBet make Real Madrid clear favourites. Espanyol are priced at 7.50 to win, while a draw is listed at 4.70 and a Real Madrid victory at 1.43.