Real Madrid will lock horns with Napoli in a Champions League Group C encounter at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have an unblemished record in the Champions League campaign so far, winning four out of four group-stage fixtures. This means the Spanish giants are overwhelming favourites to progress as winners of the group and only need a point here to ensure they will be seeded for the last 16 draw in December.
Los Blancos returned to action at the weekend with a comfortable 3-0 win over Cadiz which moved them to the top of La Liga, so they will be in great spirits ahead of the crunch clash against Napoli.
Real Madrid Team News
Luka Modric’s night against Cadiz last weekend was cut short after he sustained discomfort in his left hip with just under half an hour of the game remaining. The Croatian midfield maestro now looks set to miss out on the upcoming Champions League game against Napoli on Wednesday.
Vinicius Junior is a long-term absentee for Real Madrid, and midfield pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga are both unlikely to feature before the new year. On-loan from Chelsea, Kepa Arrizabalaga is still a doubt for the Champions League fixture.
Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao still face several months on the sidelines.
Predicted Real Madrid lineup vs Napoli (4-2-2-2)
Goalkeeper
After saving a penalty on matchday four against Braga, Andriy Lunin is set for a fourth straight start in goal for Real Madrid.
Defence
David Alaba was an unused substitute at the weekend, but he could come in as part of a shuffle at the back in the Real Madrid lineup.
The Austrian could partner Antonio Rudiger in central defence, with Lucas Vazquez and Nacho in contention to start in place of Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy at right-back and left-back in the Real Madrid lineup, respectively.
The defensive unit has to stay focused throughout the game to keep a potent Napoli attack quiet today.
Midfield
Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde may again start at the base of Real’s midfield, with Ancelotti expecting the duo to take control of the game as early as possible.
Jude Bellingham shrugged off an injury to star for the side in the win at Cadiz on Sunday, and as a result, Ancelotti may not risk the England international from the onset on Wednesday. The Spanish tactician may go with Dani Ceballos alongside Brahim Diaz as two No.10s against Napoli in the Real Madrid lineup.
Brahim Diaz was an unused substitute against Cadiz at the weekend but Modric’s injury should open the door for him to start here.
Attack
Rodrygo starred in Real’s 3-0 win over Cadiz with a brace and deserves to start against Napoli. He is likely to form a two-pronged attack with Joselu up front, and the duo with their speed, physicality and movement could cause problems for Napoli’s defence.