Real Madrid begin their defence of the Champions League title they won last season with a trip to Scotland to face Celtic on Tuesday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Liverpool in the final in Paris earlier this year and have made a great start to their La Liga campaign, winning each of their opening four games.
Here’s the starting Real XI Ancelotti may deploy against Celtic.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – Was pipped to the men’s Uefa Player of the Year award by teammate Benzema. His nomination spoke volumes to his progression to being one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
RB: Dani Carvajal – Is the most comfortable right-back option available to Ancelotti, though the Italian could rotate and bring in Lucas Vazquez.
CB: Eder Militao – When asked in the summer whether his partnership with Alaba was the best in the world, the Brazilian replied: “Yes, because of everything we have won.”
CB: David Alaba – Could be moved out wide to accommodate Antonio Rudiger, but more likely to continue his centre-back partnership with Militao.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Seen as a safe and steady option at left back, Mendy has benefitted greatly by Alaba playing centrally.
CM: Luka Modric – Recently celebrated the tenth anniversary since his move from Tottenham to the Bernabeu. He has since become one of the most decorated players ever and is still performing at 36 years of age.
CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – Delivered another starring performance in his side’s 2-1 victory over Real B*tis. Broke up play and intercepted passes all afternoon in a dominating midfield display.
CM: Toni Kroos – Rested at the weekend and expected to come back into the starting XI. Ancelotti recently revealed managing Kroos and Modric has been “the easiest thing I’ve ever had in my career.”
RW: Federico Valverde – Rodrgyo scored and hit the woodwork at the weekend, but the more defensive Valverde may be deployed out wide to keep Real tight.
ST: Karim Benzema – It’s shockingly been hinted that Benzema could be rested on Tuesday. Hopefully that’s not the case, given his incredible form over the past two seasons.
LW: Vinicius Junior – Benzema’s partner in attack has hit a rich vein of form, contributing three goals and an assist in his last three La Liga games.
Credit: 90min.com
