Real Madrid host European minnows Sheriff Tiraspol in the group stage of the Champions League on Tuesday. The Moldovan club became the first side to qualify to the group stages of the Champions League from their country this season.
Sheriff got a surprising win in their first match of the group stage when they defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-0, while Madrid scored late in their game to defeat Inter Milan 1-0. Madrid are overwhelming favourites heading into the game and manager Carlo Ancelotti could even rotate his side to give his key players a rest. The La Liga giants could only muster a 0-0 draw against Villarreal in La Liga over the weekend.
Let’s take a look at the possible Real Madrid lineup against Sheriff Tiraspol.
Team News
Real Madrid will still not have the likes of Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal, Dani Ceballos or Ferland Mendy available for Tuesday’s Champions League game. Midfielder Toni Kroos and captain Marcelo, though, could return to the Madrid squad.
PREDICTED REAL MADRID LINEUP VS SHERIFF (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Carlo Ancelotti recently revealed that he would like to give backup ‘keeper Andriy Lunin an opportunity, and the Ukrainian could replace Thibaut Courtois for the game against Sheriff.
Defence
The Madrid manager could change things around a bit at the back. Eder Militao has played the most minutes as an on-field player for the club this season. He could get a rest, with Nacho moving to centre-back from left-back in the Real Madrid lineup. Nacho could be joined by former Bayern Munich star David Alaba in central defence.
Youngster Miguel Gutierrez could come into the Real Madrid lineup at left-back, while Lucas Vazquez could start at right-back, replacing Federico Valverde, who played there over the weekend. Jesus Vallejo and Marcelo could be options off the bench.
Midfield
Luka Modric, Marco Asensio and Casemiro may sit out this game. Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde and Isco could come in their place for Madrid’s Champions League game. Camavinga and Valverde could play the deep role, while Isco will be given the freedom to bomb forward.
Kroos, if fit, could get some game time off the bench, while youngster Antonio Blanco could also be brought on in the second half.
Attack
Eden Hazard, who was once again on the bench over the weekend, could get a start on the left side in the Real Madrid lineup, replacing Vinicius.
Rodrygo could keep his place on the right, while Karim Benzema may once again lead the line. Luka Jovic could be brought on if Madrid are in a comfortable position, to replace Benzema.
Mariano is another option off the bench for Ancelotti.
