Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Sevilla, who have been off-color this season. A particular Sergio Ramos will be making his return to the White Coliseum and will also be getting a tribute before the match begins.
Joselu is out injured but Rüdiger has returned from injury which means Carlo Ancelotti would make tweaks to the team that played out the 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano last week.
Here is how Real Madrid can line up against Sevilla.
Expected lineup
GK: Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian shot-stopper made the joint most saves by a Real Madrid goalkeeper in the Champions League knockouts against RB Leipzig. He has been going through a purple patch and would be looking to continue his form
RB: Lucas Vazquez
The Spaniard would be the replacement for Dani Carvajal who has been suspended due to the double-yellow card he received in stoppage time in the previous match. Lucas will want to be at the top of his game and make sure to prevent attacks from his flank.
CB: Nacho
Nacho has been a starter this season due to injuries to Militão and Alaba. However, he has mostly had several below-average performances so far. But the Spaniard will hopefully be extra motivated for this match in the presence of his previous captain, Sergio Ramos.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
The German returns from injury and will start this game as confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti in the pre-match press conference. Although his absence was not felt much with Tchouámeni being solid at his center-back duties. The only two natural center-backs remaining in the squad will start this fixture.
LB: Ferland Mendy
Mendy was suspended for the previous game against Rayo Vallecano and would directly slot into the lineup and replace Fran García. The Frenchman will get the nod due to his defensive capabilities.
CDM: Aurelien Tchouamèni
The Frenchman has been a pivotal part of the squad this season as the team is unbeaten whenever he starts a game. In Rüdiger’s absence, he was as solid as a rock and would now shift to his natural position.
CM: Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan has been one of the few players in the squad who has not been injured and started in most of the matches. He has scored lesser goals as compared to last season but has been as crucial as it gets. He is expected to put in another good show in the midfield.
CM: Toni Kroos
With Luka Modrić being in a more sporadic role this season and Eduardo Camavinga suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, the German would make a start. Kroos will also be looking to maintain his good form for the Euros later this year.
CAM: Brahim Díaz
Brahim is the only like-for-like replacement for Jude Bellingham in this lineup. It was his wonder goal that won Real Madrid the game against Leipzig and he would want to be amongst the goal scorers again in the English starlet’s absence.
ST: Rodrygo
With Joselu ruled out and the only other forward in the squad being Álvaro Rodriguez, the Brazilian winger would want to give the Bernabeu faithful their money’s worth by putting in a decisive showing.
ST: Vinícius Júnior
Arguably one of the best players in the squad, the Brazilian winger has been going through a stellar run of form since the beginning of the year but he has not been amongst goal scorers in the previous two games. His performance against Sevilla would be key if Real Madrid are to get a victory.
