Real Madrid will be back in action tomorrow for the first time since they were hammered 0-4 by FC Barcelona as they take on AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
The fourth matchweek of the League phase of the competition pits Carlo Ancelotti against the club where he enjoyed tremendous success in the past at a time when he is under pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu after some of his team’s recent results and performances.
Having already lost one game in Europe, against LOSC Lille, Los Blancos are aware that they cannot afford any more slip-ups if they intend to finish in the top eight and secure direct qualification to the next round of the competition.
Heading into the match, Real Madrid have received a welcome boost as Rodrygo Goes is back in the squad after recovering from his injury earlier than anticipated.
Antonio Rudiger is also available for selection having recovered from the muscle overload he suffered during El Clasico. Only Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba are missing for the home team.
Ahead of the blockbuster tie tomorrow, here’s how Real Madrid could line up against Paulo Fonseca’s Milan.
Defence
With no Courtois in the squad, Andriy Lunin becomes the obvious starter in goal for Real Madrid. Having endured a difficult outing against Barcelona, the Ukrainian will be eager to bounce back strongly tomorrow.
The same holds for the entire defensive unit that was taken apart in the second half of the Clasico by the Blaugrana ten days ago.
Lucas Vazquez will be in for another stern test against Rafael Leao, who is set to start tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ferland Mendy should continue at left-back ahead of Fran Garcia while Eder Militao and Rudiger pair up at the centre.
Midfield
With Rodrygo only just returning from an injury, it is unlikely that Ancelotti will put him in the starting XI right away, which suggests that Real Madrid will go in with a four-man diamond midfield setup against AC Milan.
Jude Bellingham is a certain starter at the tip of the diamond formation as he hopes to get his first goal of the season. Federico Valverde is another certainty to feature for Los Blancos in the centre of the park.
So, Ancelotti will have to choose two among Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Luka Modric to start. Considering that Tchouameni had an off-game in the Clasico, the manager might lean towards Camavinga and Modric, with the latter providing the creativity.
Attack
Fresh off the disappointment of losing the Ballon d’Or to Rodri, Vinicius Jr. must show on the pitch that he remains focused on the task at hand and is not distracted by the events of the last week.
Partnering the Brazilian against Milan will be Kylian Mbappe who will be itching to go after a disappointing outing against Barcelona where he was completely caught in the Catalans’ offside trap.
The likes of Rodrygo, Arda Guler, and Brahim Diaz, for whom it will be a special game, should get minutes off the bench. Endrick, who has not played in the previous four matches, might also fancy his chances.