Real Madrid vs Valencia: Arnold's Return and Valverde Recharged in a La Liga Showdown
8 February 2026
Match Setup and Context
Real Madrid travel to Mestalla to face Valencia in La Liga Week 23 after a week with no international commitments, using the window to tidy up the squad for the clash.
Madrid sit second, four points behind leaders Barcelona, who won 3-0 at Mallorca on Saturday. Valencia lie 16th with 23 points, setting up a crucial late-season test.
The side will be without several key players: Vinícius Júnior is suspended after a fifth yellow card; Jude Bellingham misses due to an injury sustained in the win over Rayo Vallecano. Eder Militao and Rodrygo are also sidelined, with Rodrygo expected to be out for around two weeks.
Lineup Predictions and Tactical Tweaks
According to AS, the headline news is the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to the starting lineup, which would end the right back crisis and allow Valverde to move back into his natural midfield role after recent defensive duties.
Defensively, the report suggests a backline featuring Raúl Asensio and Dien Huisen at centre-back, with Álvaro Carreras at left-back and Alexander-Arnold at right-back. In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga stay, while Valverde reclaims a midfield slot. Arda Güler could operate in a more advanced wide role depending on how Arbeloa shapes the attack.
The forwards include Mbappé at the spearhead, looking to extend his league tally, with the left flank still under debate as Vinícius and Rodrygo are out. The alternative is Ibrahim Diaz or Mustantuno stepping in to fill the gap on the left side.
AS presents the predicted Real Madrid XI against Valencia as follows: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold; Asensio; Huisen; Carreras; Valverde; Tchouaméni; Camavinga; Güler; Mbappé; Ibrahim Diaz (or Mustantuno).
AS notes that Arnold's return would resolve the right-back issue and let Valverde operate in his natural midfield position. The backline balance comes from Asensio and Huisen at centre-back with Carreras at left-back and Arnold pushing high on the right.
Midfield continues to be anchored by Chouaméni and Camavinga, with Valverde in a more advanced role and Güler offering pace on the wings. Diaz and Mustantuno contest the left-wing slot in the absence of Viníus and Rodrygo.
Mbappé remains the focal point of the attack, chasing more goals as Madrid chase important points in La Liga.
Summary of the expected Real Madrid lineup against Valencia: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold; Asensio; Huisen; Carreras; Valverde; Tchouaméni; Camavinga; Güler; Mbappé; Ibrahim Diaz (or Mustantuno).
This arrangement would, in theory, give Madrid balance and attacking threat, with Arnold providing width and Diaz or Mustantuno offering additional pace on the left. If it clicks, expect a move from the bench to become a celebration in the stands.
Punchline 1: If this lineup were a pizza, the slice would be so stylish that even the pepperoni would file a complaint about being overshadowed by the formation’s fashion.
Punchline 2: And if the right-back crisis finally ends, the post-match press conference will feature someone finally saying, I told you so, with a straight face.
