Real Madrid will lock horns against Manchester City in the 1st leg of the quarter-final at the Santiago Bernabeu as both teams look to progress to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid had an eight-day break since their last game against Athletic Club, meaning the players are fresh and raring to go.
Although Eder Militao has been named in the squad, he may not be named in the starting lineup for this crucial game as he has not played enough minutes since returning from injury, and starting him may prove to be costly.
On the other hand, Manchester City players may be fatigued as they played 3 games before this fixture and also have some injury concerns as Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake did not travel with the squad.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against Manchester City.
Expected Line Up:
GK: Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian has stepped up in Courtois’ absence and has put in some sensational performances this season. He would have to be at his best to prevent the City attack from scoring.
RB: Dani Carvajal
This season has been a turnaround for the Spaniard as compared to last season where he was fairly average. His defensive prowess will be tested as the in-form Phil Foden is likely to be the man he will have to mark.
CB: Antonio Rudiger
A pivotal reason why Real Madrid have one of the best defensive records this season in Europe and the best in Spain. Last season he was the reason Haaland was quiet against Los Blancos and would look to do so this time around too.
CB: Aurelien Tchouameni
The Frenchman will likely start in defense over Nacho. He has been solid this season wherever he has started and will have to be at his best to keep the Blue’s attack at bay.
LB: Ferland Mendy
Although not known for his offensive prowess, the Frenchman has been fairly solid in defense and Ancelotti will be counting on his defensive skills to keep the City attack quiet.
CDM: Eduardo Camavinga
With Tchouameni in defense, his fellow French compatriot will start as the defensive midfielder. He will have to be at his best and try to break City’s passing lines to Rodri, who dictates their play. He will also have to be cautious and try not to get a yellow card as he already has two.
CM: Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan has been an undisputed starter, playing all the 42 games the club has played this season. He has proven to be a machine in the midfield and will be a part of the midfield trio for this game.
CM: Toni Kroos
A player who is made for games like these. His line-breaking passes and long balls have the ability to break any defensive line in the world.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
Despite scoring his last goal for Madrid back in February against Girona, he is still the club’s leading goal scorer and has still contributed on the attacking front with his assists. He will have to be in top form and also try not to get a yellow card as that can result in his suspension for the 2nd leg.
ST: Rodrygo
The Brazilian’s return to form must have been a sigh of relief for Ancelotti. Looked impeccable against Athletic Bilbao and he knows a thing or two about scoring in the Champions League against the English club.
ST: Vinicius Junior
Along with Jude, he forms a deadly duo and has also shown himself to be a big game player. The Brazilian is also vulnerable to being provoked, which may result in a yellow card and his suspension for the 2nd leg.
