Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. WSG Tirol: Mbappe and Vinicius Start, Carreras Debut

With the 2025-26 La Liga season drawing near, Real Madrid is gearing up for its single preseason outing: a friendly match against WSG Tirol. Given that the Club World Cup disrupted the preseason schedules of competing European teams, this friendly offers a valuable opportunity for Madrid to evaluate its players.

The Spanish titans, eager to reclaim their domestic title from Barcelona and secure their 16th Champions League victory, will face a WSG Tirol team that has kicked off the Austrian Bundesliga season on a high note. Despite the disparity in their historical achievements, this friendly will not be an easy walkover.

Under the guidance of new coach Alonso, Madrid’s squad has seen only one addition since the Club World Cup. However, the team’s lineup for the upcoming friendly promises some exciting developments. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, two of Madrid’s heavy hitters, are predicted to lead the offensive line.

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to replace Thibaut Courtois for this game, giving the number 2 a chance to prove his mettle. Alonso’s tactical plans will likely be altered due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury. However, the English player is still slated to play, presumably as a wing-back, given his critical role in Madrid’s defense.

The center-back positions, meanwhile, are predicted to feature Raul Asencio and new signee Dean Huijsen. Asencio had a rough performance at the Club World Cup and is currently facing legal troubles, but he remains part of Alonso’s strategy. Huijsen, on the other hand, has quickly become a vital part of Madrid’s defensive line, despite being a recent addition.

With Ferland Mendy out due to injury, former Madrid youth player, Álvaro Carreras, is set to make his club debut as the left-back. The midfield positions are expected to be filled by Aurélien Tchouaméni, who’s versatility is sure to be an asset for Alonso, and 18-year-old newcomer Thiago Pitarch. Dani Ceballos, who had an impressive performance last season, will also likely join them.

Arda Güler, who has emerged as one of the winners of Alonso’s appointment, is predicted to play in the advanced midfield position. The Turkish playmaker’s talent has certainly earned him the new manager’s trust.

Finally, the striker positions are expected to be filled by Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Júnior. Both players have faced challenges recently, with Mbappé trying to bounce back from a forgettable performance at the Club World Cup, and Vinicius dealing with a contract dispute. Nevertheless, Alonso has affirmed his confidence in both players, and their performance in this friendly will be closely watched.

This friendly against WSG Tirol offers Real Madrid the opportunity to test their lineup adjustments and player strategies ahead of the 2025-26 La Liga season. As the team gears up to reclaim domestic and international glory, the performance in Austria might just set the tone for their upcoming campaign.