Real Madrid will host Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray in the next round of Champions League fixtures. The Galacticos currently occupy the second spot in their group behind Paris Saint Germain. The Spanish giants got the better of Galatasaray in the reverse fixture earlier as they won the game narrowly by a 1-0 scoreline.
However, there was enough evidence that Galatasaray has the quality to trouble Zidane’s men. Madrid haven’t really kicked on this season, and they were lacklustre in their latest La Liga clash against Real Betis which finished 0-0. They should be the favourites though to get three points at home against their Turkish counterparts which would give them some breathing space in the second spot. Galatasaray though needs a win soon as they are rooted to the bottom of the group table with just one point from three matches.
Team News: Marco Asensio is a long term absentee. Fullback Nacho is also likely to miss out, and he might not feature any more in 2019 due to injury. Gareth Bale is also struggling with a calf injury which he sustained during the last international break. James Rodriguez is also a significant doubt.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Galatasaray
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Thibaut Courtois is expected to keep his place in goal even though he was substituted at the halfway point against Club Brugge in another group game earlier. Sergio Ramos will play in his usual centre back role. French international Raphael Varane should partner him. Dani Carvajal is a nailed-on starter on the right side of the defence. Zidane will have a decision to make for the left-back spot, and he might continue with Ferland Mendy in that role.
Midfield
Brazilian international Casemiro will feature in the deepest role in midfield. His job would be to protect the back four and form a base of attack. Luka Modric has been below par so far this season, and he will need to pick his game up. He should be the other midfielder. Toni Kroos got the winner in the earlier tie against the same opponents, and he is likely to complete the midfield three for Zidane.
Attack
Eden Hazard has made an underwhelming start to his Madrid career following his move from Chelsea earlier this year. However, the Belgian is still a significant threat, and he should start on the left flank. 18-year-old Rodrygo could get another chance to impress, and he could feature from the right. Karim Benzema will be an obvious pick for Zidane to lead the line for Los Blancos up top.
