Champions League action is at the helm as Real Madrid lock horns against an in-form Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
Ferland Mendy is ruled out for this fixture and a bunch of exciting Castilla players were named in the squad for this fixture.
Here is how Real Madrid can lineup against Atalanta.
GK: Thibaut Courtois
Had a good game against Girona. Was made to work hard but the Belgian was up to the task and recorded a cleansheet. Needs to be at his best tonight as well.
RB: Lucas Vazquez
Has a tough match up against a lethal trio. Extremely vulnerable but the Spaniard needs to just hold his ground and not commit any mistakes.
CB: Aurelien Tchouaméni
The Frenchman is expected to start yet again in defence. A solid outing against Girona and his height gives an advantage to Madrid on set pieces. Has to be rock solid tonight.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger
Another start for him and since this match is most probably a season defining one for Madrid, the German has to be at his ultimate best against a potent Atalanta front line.
LB: Fran García
Was an automatic choice after Ferland Mendy’s injury. His defensive actions have improved and is also a threat going up front. He would be delighted with the chances he is getting and will look to repay Carlo Ancelotti’s faith in him.
CM: Fede Valverde
The Uruguayan made it clear in the pre match presser that he does not need rest and always wants to play. An integral part of the side and can switch the play any time. Atalanta will be on the look out for Fede’s thunderous shots from outside the box.
CM: Luka Modric
He is eager to be the orchestrator of this Real Madrid midfield yet again. His presence on the field has been a game-changer in most matches this season and the Girona game was just an example. Might not play the entire match and Dani Ceballos may take his place in the 2nd half.
CM: Arda Güler
Netted his first goal of the season and overall had an exceptional performance. Will play in the midfield yet again and the way he combines with Luka Modric will be a sight to see.
CM: Jude Bellingham
As expectedly, the Englishman is fit for this match and will start. He has been outstanding in each of the last five matches and hopefully the purple patch continues. Was named Man of the Match when these two sides met in the UEFA Super Cup.
ST: Vinicius Junior
Although the Brazilian is not reportedly 100%, a risk is expected to be taken. Perhaps it’s the need of the hour for a game the club is treating like a final. Has been a beast in the Champions League with 4 goals in 4 matches including a hattrick. Another similar performance would do the Merengues a world of good.
ST: Kylian Mbappe
Will most probably take the left side and may shift with Vini as the match progresses. Needs to be consistent with his performances and step up in the big fixtures – which he has not done so far this season. But today is a new day and this present Mbappe yet another opportunity to show Real Madrid what he is capable of.
