Napoli is always a tricky opponent to play against and Real Madrid are expected to see them off nice and easy this midweek as Los Blancos attempt to reach the quarter-final for the seventh straight time.
Although Real Madrid ousted Napoli in their only previous encounter way back in 1987-88 season, their record against Italian sides has been nightmarish. They have been eliminated seven of their last eight ties with Italian sides.
Predicted 4-3-3 Real Madrid Lineup Vs Napoli
Defence
Keylor Navas will take his position under the bar. The Costa Rican has played a significant role in Madrid’s undefeated run in the group stages of the Champions League. He has conceded 9 goals in 5 appearances, which is an average of 1.8 per game. Zidane will put trust in his experienced hands in a tricky two-legged fixture.
Marcelo will start on the left flank. The Brazilian’s adventurous runs up front could cause trouble for the Napoli defense. With Danilo being the latest to join Real’s injury list with an ankle injury he suffered last game, Zidane is expected to turn to his first-choice Daniel Carvajal on the right defensive flank.
The central defense will be taken by Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. Zidane opted for a safe win on the weekend against Osasuna and played five men at the back. Nacho Fernandez is expected to start from the bench.
Midfield
The Whites would expect to visit Naples with as big a lead as possible and we expect an attacking setup in the midweek’s clash. Casemiro is expected to start as the single pivot giving space to Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic to express themselves in the attacking third.
Napoli have been on a brilliant goal scoring form of late and would bank on pushing bodies up to get the all-important away goal. And Zidane is likely to exploit it by his core of attacking players.
Attack
Lucas Vazquez has been impressive from the right flank in the time he has got after Gareth Bale remained injured, and we expect him to take his position on the right wing. Zidane opted to start him from the bench against Osasuna and he even bagged the final goal of the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo will start from the left flank. The Portuguese added yet another goal to his tally on the weekend and is in hot form. Karim Benzema will spearhead the attack. The French man has scored four times in five Champions League appearances.
