Real Madrid will travel to Paris to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday night.
Los Blancos, who comfortably topped Group D with 15 points to qualify to the knockout rounds of the competition, are enjoying a decent season. They hold a four-point lead at the top of the La Liga standings and head into this big European clash following a 0-0 away draw with Villarreal.
Yet, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be upbeat ahead of the trip to PSG as they look to secure a first-leg advantage in Paris.
Real Madrid Team News
Karim Benzema and Ferland Mendy have recovered from their injuries and have travelled with the Real Madrid squad, although the former will undergo a fitness test today in Paris to see whether he will be fit enough to start, make the bench or miss the first leg against Les Parisians altogether.
Barring doubts over Benzema’s availability, Carlo Ancelotti has a clean bill of health for the game.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois has been Carlo Ancelotti’s no.1 choice in between the sticks this season, and as a result, the Belgian international will start this game for Real Madrid, barring any last-minute injury.
Defence
Ferland Mendy’s recovery from injury is a big boost for Ancelotti as the Frenchman walks straight into the Real Madrid lineup at left-back on Tuesday. Eder Militao and David Alaba are easy picks in central defence, with Dani Carvajal a certainty at right-back.
Against a star-studded PSG attack that will likely comprise Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria, the Real backline are in for a stiff test at Parc des Princes.
Midfield
Going with his usual 4-3-3 shape, the manager is likely to go with the reliable midfield trio of Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos. All three players are vastly experienced and serial winners, making them a perfect fit to start in midfield in the Real Madrid lineup and control the flow of the game against a solid PSG side.
Casemiro will be tasked with his usual job of mopping things at the back, while Kroos and Modric use their passing skills to dominate possession.
Attack
Vinicius Jr. is enjoying an excellent season and Ancelotti is unlikely to look beyond him at left wing. Marco Asensio is a favourite to occupy the right-wing spot in the Real Madrid lineup.
If Karim Benzema is deemed only fit enough to start on the bench, Eden Hazard could get the chance to operate as a false 9 against Pochettino’s men. The likes of Gareth Bale, Isco and Rodrygo Goes will be good options to have on the bench as Real seek a first-leg advantage.