Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Champions League
By Max Parsons
Real Madrid travel to Chelsea on Wednesday night for the first leg of an immense Champions League quarter-final matchup.
Los Blancos go into the game fresh off the back of an important, if sub-par, victory at Celta Vigo that saw Carlo Ancelotti's men make an immediate recovery from a severe 4-0 defeat at home to El Clasico rivals Barcelona directly before the international break.
Remaining well clear at the La Liga summit despite some patchy performances of late, they travel to a Chelsea side that have themselves been humiliated by a 4-1 loss to Brentford last time out - although 12 wins in 14 outings across all competitions are evidence enough of their capabilities. Here's how Ancelotti could set his players up against his former club.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Thibaut Courtois (GK) - A saviour for Real Madrid on so many occasions this campaign, the big Belgian will inevitably be between the sticks as he returns to his old stomping ground.
Dani Carvajal (RB) - Should be set for a return to the side after Lucas Vazquez started last time out.
Eder Militao (CB) - A minor doubt for this clash after being removed from play for precautionary reasons at Celta, but he's expected to be fine to feature.
David Alaba (CB) - The two-time Champions League winner is set for a ninth successive start in this season's competition on Wednesday night.
Ferland Mendy (LB) - Returned from injury to earn his side a match-winning penalty last time out, and should continue.
2. Midfielders
Casemiro (DM) - If Chelsea can replicate the midfield energy and running that put Real to the sword last year, the Brazilian could be in for a very tough evening.
Luka Modric (CM) - Struggled at the weekend, looking tired, but the veteran Croatian is tailor-made for these big occasions.
Federico Valverde (CM) - Last season's two-legged defeat to Chelsea highlighted the issue of Real's ageing midfield and, following a leggy showing against Celta most recently, Ancelotti may want to freshen things up in the middle of the park with the tireless dynamism of Valverde.
3. Forwards
Rodrygo (RW) - Should be afforded a return to the starting XI after Marco Asensio's anonymous display last time out.
Karim Benzema (ST) - Returned to action to lead his side to victory yet again last time out and will surely start at Stamford Bridge after his unearthly heroics against PSG earned Real their spot at this stage of the competition.
Vinicius Junior (LW) - Will aim to put a dull performance at Celta out of thought by building on his seven Champions League goal involvements thus far.