It’s just a matter of time before Real Madrid become the Spanish champions, as the team is leading comfortably in La Liga. But in Madrid, they always aim for European glory. After taking out the current champion Chelsea, Real are about to face another English giant. They now go head-to-head with an old-time rival in Pep Guardiola. His Manchester City side still can’t reach the top of the European football, despite the multi-billion investments. Carlo Ancelotti’s experience will have to stop Pep Guardiola’s dream. Read on to see our Real Madrid predicted lineup.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Against a Determined Manchester City
How Real Madrid Have Lined-up Recently
Carlo Ancelotti will undoubtfully trust his favourite 4-3-3, which he uses all season. Unlike Guardiola, the Italian specialist doesn’t like to change a lot of things in his starting line-up. A solid back four with a balanced three-man midfield where the experienced Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro are mixed with the younger Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos.
In front of them, Vinicius Junior is having the season of his career on the left flank of the attack. On the right side, Asensio and Rodrygo are used when Real needs to attack. But when Ancelotti wants his side to be more solid we often see Valverde operating there. And last but not least, there is the undisputed man of the tournament so far Karim Benzema. The Frenchman will look to continue with his impressive form in the Champions League. He already has 12 goals in nine appearances in the competition.
Real Madrid Injury Worries for Consideration
There are two big concerns for Carlo Ancelotti before the clash at Etihad Stadium. The usual starters David Alaba and Casemiro both have injuries, which could rule them out of the fixture. However, both are in the squad and travelled to England. Last-minute fitness tests will determine whether they will participate in the game.
David Alaba is struggling with an abductor injury while Casemiro has a hamstring problem. The last training session will be decisive. In case the players are not available, Camavinga and Nacho are the favourites to take their places.
Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic didn’t travel to Manchester and will miss the game with different injuries.
Real Madrid Predicted Line-up
Courtois; Carvajal, Éder Militão, Alaba, Mendy; Modrić, Casemiro, Kroos; Valverde, Benzema, Vinícius Júnior
Courtois is having a wonderful season and it doesn’t come as a surprise that Real have conceded just 29 goals in 33 games in La Liga. In front of him, Carvajal and Mendy will operate as full-backs. Militão will partner either Alaba or Nacho in the heart of the defence. Modric is certain to start on the right side with Kroos on the left one.
The big question mark in the midfield remains if Casemiro will pass the late fitness test. In case he doesn’t take his position in front of the back four, Camavinga will start. Valverde is the current favourite to start on the right-wing to provide more stability. Vinicius on the left and Benzema as a central forward will complete the starting line-up.
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