Real Madrid - Villarreal. Match preview, likely lineups and fantasy tips. Matchday 8 of LaLiga.

We show the likely lineups and statistical data of interest for your preferred fantasy game.

We also take a bit of a punt and provide you with a captain, a striker, a wall and a risk for each of the teams.

Real Madrid - Villarreal

Match date: 10/10-21:00

Real Madrid C.F.

Real Madrid return to competition after the international break with the need to bounce back following their controversial defeat in the derby against Atletico. The Whites, fourth and a six points behind Barcelona, face an important game to regain their feel before a demanding schedule, with Champions commitments and the Clasico at the end of October.

The main positive news for Mourinho is the return of Mbappe, who is already training with the group after overcoming his knee issues and points to starting, according to the latest information from the sports press. Konaté is also improving, with his presence at the heart of the defence looking practically assured. More uncertainty surrounds Valverde, who continues recovering from his sprain and could make the game. Rodrygo, Mendy and Asencio are out, as well as Huijsen due to suspension. Militao has returned to collective training, but he will have a gradual comeback after his serious injury.

In the possible XI, Rüdiger and Konaté look set to form the centre-back pairing, with Dumfries and Cucurella at full-back. Tchouaméni, Bernardo Silva, Güler and Bellingham have important options in midfield, while Vinícius appears set to start up front. Mbappe's return could put him straight back in attack, although some projections still consider Carlos Espí as an alternative.

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Villarreal CF

The Villarreal travel to the Santiago Bernabéu with the aim of extending their good run before taking on a schedule that is nothing short of dizzying. The men of Íñigo Pérez arrive after back-to-back wins against Málaga and Levante, regaining their momentum after a shaky start. They will face a Real Madrid side that is also not going through its best moment and will be looking to respond to their fans after losing the Madrid derby. A tough scenario for the Yellow Submarine, but also an opportunity to make a statement and confirm their return to the right track.

As for the absences, the main new development will be the absence of Buchanan, who will miss the game with a muscle injury picked up with Canada during the international break. On the other hand, Foyth and Comesaña are already working normally after overcoming their respective physical problems, although it remains to be seen whether they can come in from the start. It will also be important to see what condition the internationals arrive in, with a possible management of workloads in the form of rotations.

So, the XI is expected to be similar to that of the last two matchdays, with the doubt in midfield between Comesaña and Saliba, as well as who will be the replacement for Buchanan up front. On paper, Nicolás Pépé and Gerard Moreno start as favourites, without ruling out a double striker with Ayoze and Mikautazde.

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