While the main goal for Real Madrid, obviously, is to hold on to their perfect record in the start of the season as they visit newly promoted and surprising Villarreal, the main attraction of the match will be the probable debut of Gareth Bale.
Carlo Ancelotti, unlike many other managers, speaks about his plans well before the match, not trying to hide anything. According to the Italian manager, Gareth Bale will start on the right wing, not something he has done too often in England, giving Real Madrid the continuous approach of two inverted wingers, as Ronaldo keeps his place on the left side while Isco takes over the attacking midfielder role completely.
Another interesting change will be Asier Illarramendi getting his first start for the team, which means Luka Modric is probably going to sit out the match in the start, giving Sami Khedira the spot next to him in the defensive midfield.
Real Madrid have won in their first three matches, but haven’t really displayed scintillating football. It’s mostly been about Isco performing a lot better than anyone thought he’d do so early on, partially pushing Mesut Ozil out of the team and even out of the league. The arrival of Bale means that more gelling needs to be done, but it’s unlikely that he’ll be given too many days of grace to get used to his new team.
On the home side, Villarreal have been the pleasant surprise of the La Liga so far with a perfect start, enjoying some strong and fun performances from the Mexican contingency (who need something to forget about their problems with the national team) of Gio Dos Santos and Javier Aquino.
However, the free flowing side might take a more cautious approach in the match against Real, which means that Jeremy Perbet of Jonathan Pereira won’t be starting, as they try to bulk up in the midfield.
Prediction – Real Madrid are bound to look a bit squeaky as they continue to change lineups and insert more players into the team, but the Villarreal dream start to their La Liga campaign will end with the visitors from the Capital.