A report published on Tuesday says Jose Mourinho has largely settled on his Real Madrid side for Wednesday’s La Liga meeting with Real Sociedad, with only one position still open for discussion.
According to AS, the line-up is expected to contain only minor changes. Marc Cucurella is set to make his first appearance at left-back, while Bernardo Silva is expected to retain his place in midfield.
There is no uncertainty over the goalkeeper. Thibaut Courtois is expected to start, continuing the unwritten rule that, whenever he is available, he plays. With the new season only just under way, that policy remains unchanged.
The defensive unit is also taking shape. Denzel Dumfries is expected to operate at right-back, with Cucurella on the opposite side. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen are likely to continue as the central defensive pairing.
The only significant doubt concerns the right side of the attack, although there is also a decision to be made in midfield because of Aurelien Tchouameni’s continued absence.
Federico Valverde is regarded as certain to start. The remaining midfield choice is believed to be between Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva, with the Portugal international currently the leading candidate to begin the match.
That selection could influence the battle for the right wing. One possibility would be to use Arda Guler in a deeper role, creating more room on the right for Diomande. However, that option is considered unlikely.
The prevailing view is that Guler and Diomande should compete directly for the right-wing position. At present, Arda has the advantage in that contest.
The rest of the attacking line appears settled. Jude Bellingham, Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe are all expected to feature, with their inclusion regarded as non-negotiable whenever they are fit and available.
The reported potential Real Madrid line-up against Real Sociedad is therefore: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva, with either Guler or Diomande; Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappe.
Wednesday’s fixture will provide the first indication of whether Mourinho follows that expected selection or makes a late change to resolve the uncertainty on the right. For now, the main decision appears to be whether Guler or Diomande is given the starting role, while the rest of the team is considered close to confirmed.
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