Predicted Real Madrid lineup against Celta Vigo: Hazard in for Asensio; Ramos ruled out

Captain Sergio Ramos has been ruled out while Eden Hazard could be in line for a start when Real Madrid play hosts to Celta Vigo on Saturday night.

Real Madrid will be looking to start the New Year on a winning note when they lock horns against an in-form Celta Vigo side at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Saturday.

And manager Zinedine Zidane has been treated with some bad news ahead of the game as captain Sergio Ramos has been left out of the 23-man squad for the clash after he trained alone on Friday. Along with Ramos, Real Madrid will also be without the services of Rodrygo Goes, who picked up an injury last month.

?✅ Our 23-man squad for the match against @RCCeltaEN!#RealMadridCelta | #RMLiga pic.twitter.com/FsFlT5gKRU

— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) January 1, 2021

Apart from that, there are no other concerns for the Real Madrid boss, who is likely to keep changes at a minimum for Saturday’s game. In goal, there is no looking past Thibaut Courtois, while Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane are certain starters in the Merengues’ backline.

With Ramos unavailable, Nacho is likely to come into the lineup ahead of Eder Militao against Celta Vigo. Marcelo, who started in the draw against Elche and made little impact, should make way for Ferland Mendy in the left-back slot on Saturday night.

Luka Modric put in another top-class display in midweek against Elche and should hold on to his place in the middle of the park. The remaining two midfield slots should see both Casemiro and Toni Kroos being retained in the starting lineup against Celta Vigo.

Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Lucas Vazquez has been one of the most consistent performers for Real Madrid in recent weeks and should continue on the right flank. In Rodrygo’s absence, Marco Asensio started on the left in the draw against Elche. However, now that Eden Hazard is fully fit, the Belgian wing-wizard could be in line to start when Celta Vigo come visiting.

Speaking of the former Chelsea man in his pre-match press conference Zidane said, “He’s come here to prove how good he is. He trains for that and we have a lot of confidence in him. He’s had some tough times, but we’re beginning to see Eden fit into the team.”

Completing the attacking trident for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo will be star striker Karim Benzema, who will be looking to get back to scoring ways after having a quiet outing against Elche.

Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Vazquez, Benzema, Hazard