Cast and system changes

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will change his team's system and formation when they face city rivals Atlético Madrid in the derby in Spain on Sunday evening.

“They are always a great rival and that won’t change. It will be an entertaining, hard-fought game because there is a lot of quality in both teams. It will be a show,” Ancelotti said before the game press conference to preview the game.

Furthermore, the Italian also noted Atleti's summer spending spree and expressed his belief that they have “improved a lot”.

“They have signed good players and I think they will fight for this league with us and with Barcelona until the end,” he predicted.

Speaking of the Catalans, their 4-2 defeat against Osasuna on Saturday evening means that Los Blancos can move within a point of them with a win against Rojiblancos.

On the other side of the ball, however, a win would see third-placed Atleti move up to second, just three points behind Hansi Flick's men.

Both sides will then have to do their best, with Ancelotti refusing to confirm to the press what approach he would take.

“I don't pay much attention to the system,” he claimed, hinting that he will “use another midfielder, be it in a 4-4-2, or use a striker in a 4-3 system.”3” .

“What is important to me is that the team is supportive and committed,” he emphasized.

However, the absence of Kylian Mbappe, who has suffered a muscle injury, means Ancelotti will opt for four midfielders.

Captain Luka Modric returns to the starting XI and forms a double front with Aurelien Tchouameni in the middle, while Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde appear on paper as advanced wide players, while wingers Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. are the “forwards” in a team of four. 4-2.

This plan worked with great success in the treble-winning 2023/2024 season, often resulting in Bellingham operating as a false 9 as he competed for Spain's top goalscorer award, the Pichichi.

In defense it is Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will once again face his former club.

Real Madrid first eleven vs. Atlético Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Militao, Mendy; Modric, Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius