Real Madrid starts off their UEFA Champions League campaign for the 2019-20 season with an extremely tough draw against French giants, PSG. Los Blancos have been assigned to Group A along with Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, and Galatasaray.
Los Blancos had a very unexpected end to their UEFA Champions League season last time around when they went out of the competition following a Round of 16 loss to Ajax over the course of the two legs. Zidane would be aiming for his fourth UEFA Champions League trophy this time around and will be determined to make it across the line.
Real Madrid would be entering this fixture without a handful of their regular squad members. Sergio Ramos and Nacho are both unavailable for this fixture courtesy to suspension. Marco Asensio, Luka Modric, Isco, Federico Valverde, and Marcelo are all injured and will not be a part of proceedings on Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes.
Zidane would have to be extremely cautious while picking his starting eleven for this high-intensity fixture. The French gaffer would be particularly worried about his back four which has never played before in a competitive environment. Both summer arrivals, Mendy and Militao are supposed to start this fixture.
Here’s how Real Madrid can start in their Group A opener against the Parisians:
Formation (4-3-3)
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup VS PSG
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is set to begin this fixture as he continues to be Real Madrid’s number one goal-keeper. The Belgian has had a below-average start the season and will be looking to hold onto his first clean-sheet. Dani Carvajal would be starting in the right-back position over the inexperienced Alvaro Odriozola.
Raphael Varane and Eder Militao are expected to form a partnership in the centre of Real Madrid’s defence. The two will be vital in keeping the Paris Saint-Germain attack at bay. The two were also given some thirty-odd minutes together when Los Blancos won against Levante in the Primera Division on Saturday. Ferland Mendy is set to get the nod for this fixture with an untimely injury to Marcelo.
Midfield
James, Casemiro and Toni Kroos are expected to retain their place in the starting eleven after an impressive display against Levante. James was an absolute gem to watch right throughout the game, and he would be looking to continue the same run of form into this high profile fixture. Casemiro was offered some rest on the weekend and would be relative fresh in his bid to support the Madrid back-line.
Attack
Gareth Bale would be raring to return to the starting eleven for Los Blancos. The player scored two crucial goals for Zinedine Zidane’s side against Villarreal before being sent off in the same fixture. Karim Benzema who has struck fine form would be starting in the number nine position.
The lost slot in the team would be a tough pick for Zizou between Eden Hazard and Vinicius Junior. We are however going for the magical Belgian given how crucial this game is for Real Madrid.
Predicted Starting Eleven
Courtois
Carvajal – Varane – Militao – Mendy
James – Casemiro – Kroos
Bale – Benzema – Hazard
