Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Champions League
By Max Parsons
Real Madrid welcome Chelsea to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, as the two sides battle it out in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final matchup.
Both teams come into this tie in good form; Carlo Ancelotti has seen his men win three on the bounce since their crushing Clasico humiliation, most recently seeing off Getafe with minimal fuss after the brilliant 3-1 win over Chelsea in the first leg.
Thomas Tuchel's men have reacted well from that defeat (and the thrashing by Brentford before it), coming away from a Premier League clash with Southampton with a 6-0 win under their belts - not too shabby.
Here's how the hosts could line up on Tuesday...
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - An easy pick between the sticks, Courtois has been outstanding this campaign.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - Shone in the first leg and should be restored to the starting XI here.
Nacho Fernandez (CB) - Eder Militao will be out of contention through suspension, giving Nacho the opportunity to deputise in his place.
David Alaba (CB) - Has been a reliable presence at the heart of the Real defence since arriving and is set for a 42nd appearance of the term, having only been kept from starting by injury.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Rested on Saturday but should be set to return to the fold in place of Marcelo.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - Will inevitably anchor this Hollywood midfield once more, making a ninth Champions League appearance of the campaign.
Luka Modric (CM) - Left out of action last time out, but should be in line for an immediate return for such a big occasion.
Toni Kroos (CM) - Both of Real's veteran midfielders were rested for the victory over Getafe, so expect them to be raring to go from the off here.
3. Forwards
Federico Valverde (RW) - Having the Uruguayan's dynamic presence to bolster midfield worked well at Stamford Bridge and, as a manager that knows when to stick with a winning formula, Ancelotti could opt to deploy the same tactic for the second leg.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Pulling out hat-tricks like a budget magician at a children's party; surely a third in a row isn't possible, is it?!
Vinicius Jr (LW) - The goals have slightly dried up for the blistering Brazilian, but assists in his previous two appearances demonstrate the sort of tangible impact he's having for Los Blancos this season.