Real Madrid brace themselves for their second match of the UEFA Champions league as the Merengues take on Lille.
The inclusion of Kylian Mbappe in the squad came as a surprise to many as he recovered way before it was expected. Whether he starts or not, is up to Carlo Ancelotti.
Thibaut Courtois will miss this clash but Los Blancos have an able replacement in the form of Andriy Lunin.
Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Lille.
GK: Andriy Lunin
The Ukrainian made a name for himself last season in Courtois’ absence with brilliant performances against RB Leipzig and Manchester City. He also renewed his contract with the club and is in line to make his first start of the season.
RB: Dani Carvajal
He will be captaining the side as Luka Modric will be on the bench. The Spaniard just has a goal and assist to show this season but he has made some great overlapping runs at times and has been solid in defence.
CB: Éder Militão
After a few quiet initial games, he is suddenly amongst the best centre-backs this season following his performance in the last few matches. He has always been a quality defender and will now look to build on his newly found form.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
Other than the mistake he made in the Madrid derby which led to the equaliser, the German has formed a solid partnership with Militão, which has the potential to be the most feared defence in Europe. Rüdiger would be eager to put that brain-fade moment behind him as just a bad moment and continue to do what he does best.
LB: Ferland Mendy
Did not offer much up front in the last match, and neither is he known for his attacking runs. But the Frenchman was rock solid in defence and will want to continue to prove why he is regarded as one of the best defensive left backs in the world. His battle with Edon Zhegrova will be one to look forward to.
RM: Arda Güler
The Turk has not really hit the ground running this season despite some impressive displays whenever he got the chance. Would look to be more involved on the attacking front and hopefully get his name on the scoresheet.
CDM: Aurelien Tchouaméni
Real Madrid are 40-matches unbeaten with this Frenchman in the lineup – which just goes on to show his importance in this squad. The 24-year old had already solidified his place in the team since last season, and it’s only onward and upwards from here on.
LM: Eduardo Camavinga
He will be playing his first minutes this season although he was expected to play in the Madrid derby as well. The 21-year-old’s last appearance for the club was in the Champions League final, where he put on an eye-catching show.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
The Englishman seamlessly adapted to his new position in the side from this season. It is almost a must to have him in the lineup as he has the ability to make line-breaking passes and looks calm on the ball while being aggressively pressed by the opposition players.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
He made a recovery way earlier than was expected but if fully fit, the Frenchman is a sure shot starter. Already has 7 goals in 9 appearances for the Merengues, but his best is yet to come.
Lille will be aware of Mbappe’s threat as the World Cup winner has recorded 11 goals and 6 assists in 14 matches against the French side. But it also will not be a surprise if Kylian does not start and is only brought on if goals are needed in 2nd half.
ST: Vinícius Júnior
The last three matches have shown what Vini is capable of, securing a goal and three assists in the process. He looks to be a way better player than he was in the beginning of the season and if someone knows how to quiet the critics, it’s him. Who knows, another menacing performance from the potential Ballon D’or winner might be on the cards.