Zinedine Zidane could decide to drop Karim Benzema to accommodate Gareth Bale, after the Welsh winger has successfully completed a return from injury. Bale has not started a game since September but played a key role in helping Real Madrid win the Club World Cup. He also came off the bench in the 0-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.
That result ruled Real Madrid out of the La Liga title race and has reportedly put Zidane’s position as head coach under threat. With this in mind, the Frenchman is expected to reshuffle his pack in a bid to improve results. Zidane will be keen to find the perfect blend ahead of the upcoming Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain, the result of which could ultimately decide his fate.
The obvious change would be to switch to a 4-3-3 formation, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the flanks either side of Karim Benzema. However, that would mean dropping a midfielder. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are nailed-on starters and Casemiro is an important ‘destroyer’ in the engine room. That leaves Marco Asensio who has been playing well in the hole behind the strikers, so it’s difficult to see Zidane making that call.
Whether right or wrong, Karim Benzema is often the scapegoat when things go awry for Real Madrid. They say there’s no smoke without fire and this season he just hasn’t cut the mustard. Benzema’s paltry return of 2 La Liga goals from 12 appearances is hindering the side and he could be ready to make way for Bale, resulting in the following possible starting XI with all players fit and available;
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2 formation): Navas; Marcelo, Ramos, Varane, Carvajal; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Asensio; Ronaldo, Bale
