Real Madrid will welcome SC Braga to Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening, hoping to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.
Los Blancos have enjoyed a strong start to their continental campaign and are on the verge of securing a spot in the knockout stages. They have maintained a 100 per cent record in the competition, winning three out of three, including a 2-1 success over SC Braga in the reverse fixture.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men come into this game off the back of a 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano in the La Liga. The Italian tactician will expect a better performance from his boys against Braga, who are third in Group C with three points from as many games.
Real Madrid Team News
Jude Bellingham will be assessed after suffering a shoulder injury in Real Madrid’s draw with Rayo Vallecano. Aurelien Tchouameni sustained a stress fracture in his left foot during El Clasico last month and is expected to spend a significant spell on the sidelines, but summer signing Arda Guler was on the bench against Rayo Vallecano and could get some minutes in midweek.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs SC Braga (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga should continue deputising for the injured Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal. He will be eyeing a clean sheet against Braga.
Defence
Ancelotti could change his formation from 4-3-1-2 to 4-3-3, with Antonio Rudiger continuing his central defensive partnership with David Alaba. Dani Carvajal is an obvious pick at right-back, but Eduardo Camavinga may get the nod at left-back ahead of young Fran Garcia.
The entire defensive unit of Real Madrid must function very well to keep Braga’s attackers at bay in midweek.
Midfield
The potential absence of Jude Bellingham due to a shoulder problem should open the door for Toni Kroos to come into the midfield, and the German may be joined in the middle of the pitch by Luka Modric and Federico Valverde.
The experienced trio of Modric, Kroos and Valverde should hold the fort in the middle, giving the forwards the freedom to push forward and do the damage in the final third. Ancelotti could bring on Bellingham off the bench if Real need some creative spark in midfield.
Attack
Rodrygo Goes is expected to be recalled into the starting XI, joining Vinicius Jr. and Joselu in the attack. Joselu will operate as a No.9, with Rodrygo and Vinicius supporting the Spaniard from wide areas. If the trio click, Braga could have a long night to endure at Santiago Bernabeu.
Arda Guler may finally get a chance to make his Madrid debut in midweek.