Real Madrid’s probable starting XI against Real Sociedad

From 9:00 p.m. tonight, Real Madrid will finally play their postponed Matchday 1 fixture, which was rescheduled because of the Club World Cup. The Spanish giants already opened their league campaign last Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Espanyol.

José Mourinho’s side now return to the Bernabéu for their first home game of the season, although they will once again have to deal with several important absences. Seven players are unavailable, including Aurélien Tchouaméni, Éder Militão, Endrick, Thiago Pitarch and Raúl Asencio.

Real Madrid – Real Sociedad: probable line-ups

Diomandé or Güler?

The starting XI selected by José Mourinho is expected to look very similar to the one that started against Espanyol, although there remains one major question on the right wing.

For his first official game back in charge of Real Madrid, Mourinho decided to start Arda Güler on the right side of the attack before introducing Yan Diomandé during the second half. Against Real Sociedad, however, the Portuguese coach could reverse those roles and give the Ivorian winger his first start for the club.

Diomandé could therefore line up in a very exciting attacking unit alongside Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. The young Ivorian has already shown glimpses of his pace and ability to create danger in one-on-one situations, and Mourinho may feel that this is the right moment to give him more responsibility.

In midfield, Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde are once again expected to form the double pivot. Their technical quality, work rate and experience should be crucial against a Real Sociedad side that traditionally enjoys controlling possession and playing through midfield.

There should not be many surprises in defence either. Thibaut Courtois will, of course, keep his place in goal, while Denzel Dumfries is expected to start at right-back.

The main change could come on the opposite flank, with Marc Cucurella likely to enter the starting XI at left-back. Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté are expected to continue as Mourinho’s central defensive partnership.

Starting lineup

4-3-3

Real Madrid will be looking for a more convincing performance after being pushed hard by Espanyol in their opening game. Playing in front of their own supporters for the first time this season should provide an additional boost, while Mourinho will be determined to mark his Bernabéu comeback with three points.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, possess enough quality to make this a difficult evening, particularly through Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Carlos Soler.

Real Sociedad probable XI: Remiro; Jon Martín, Zubeldia, Aramburu, Sergio Gómez; Yangel Herrera, Soler, Kubo, Sučić; Oyarzabal, Oskarsson.