Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Al Ahly - Club World Cup
By Chris Smith
Real Madrid will look to bounce back from their La Liga defeat to Mallorca in the Club World Cup on Wednesday.
Los Blancos take on Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly in a semi-final clash after having their ego bruised with a 1-0 loss on Sunday that leaves them eight points adrift of Barcelona in the La Liga title race.
Carlo Ancelotti has already hinted he could rotate on Wednesday due to Madrid's injury problems and hectic upcoming schedule, so here's how they could line up:
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Al Ahly (4-3-3)
GK: Andriy Lunin - Was given a rare start against Mallorca after Thibaut Courtois injured himself in the warm-up and should keep his spot here.
RB: Alvaro Odriozola - Hasn't featured in La Liga this season with his only appearances coming in the cups. He may benefit from Ancelotti's need to rotate.
CB: Antonio Rudiger - Has played a lot of football recently but someone needs to lead the Real Madrid backline.
CB: Nacho Fernandez - Didn't cover himself in glory against Mallorca but with Eder Militao struggling, he'll have to go again.
LB: Eduardo Camavinga - Has filled in admirably at left-back and will likely continue to do so with David Alaba not fully fit and Ferland Mendy sidelined.
CM: Toni Kroos - Played the final 20 minutes against Mallorca and could be given 45 minutes to an hour here.
CM: Dani Ceballos - Created a match-high four chances against Mallorca and will be expected to bring that sort of quality against Al Ahly.
CM: Luka Modric - Only played from the bench against Mallorca, so should be fit enough to start and offer Aurelien Tchouameni some rest.
RW: Marco Asensio - Missed a penalty on the hour against Mallorca but will likely be given the chance to make up for it if Ancelotti rests Vinicius Jr.
ST: Mariano Diaz - Another who has struggled for minutes but could get a runout here to help Ancelotti ease some fatigue elsewhere.
LW: Rodrygo - Will be expected to bring the quality and dynamism to the Real Madrid attack. Key to breaking down a stubborn Al Ahly defence.