Real Madrid will clash heads with Shakhtar Donetsk at the NSC Olimpiyskiy on Tuesday night as they look to secure all three points on the road in the UEFA Champions League clash. Los Blancos are winless in their last three matches, so they will be eager to return to winning ways in midweek.
Carlo Ancelotti will probably opt for a 4-4-2 formation and is expected to make some changes to his starting XI for this European game on the road. Casemiro, Luka Jovic and Miguel Gutiérrez could all play from the start as the Madrid outfit look to turn their fortunes around for the better in the coming weeks.
4-4-2 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup To Face Shakhtar Donetsk
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will function in between the sticks for Los Blancos after letting in two goals versus Espanyol before the international break. Ancelotti could choose to go with David Alaba and Nacho as his centre-backs as the defensive duo try to keep the Shakhtar attackers at bay during the 90 minutes.
Lucas Vazquez will assume the duties of the right-back while Miguel Gutiérrez fills in on the other side as the left-back. Both Marcelo and Dani Carvajal are major doubts for this contest and might not be risked in midweek.
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Midfield
Federico Valverde will anchor the Madrid midfield alongside Casemiro as they focus on establishing their superiority over the opposition at the centre of the park. The midfield duo will have to control the game well and create some clear-cut chances in the Shakhtar half.
Vinicius Junior will operate as the left-sided wide player as he hopes to put his pace to good use in the attacking third of the pitch. Rodrygo would try to get to the byline on the right flank. Eden Hazard is a minor doubt for this game but Gareth Bale will definitely miss this match because of a hamstring injury.
Attack
Luka Jovic will lead the line along with Karim Benzema up top. Both Madrid strikers will have to be clinical in the final third if Los Blancos are to come out on top this Tuesday night. However, Mariano Diaz is a significant concern for this midweek clash as he is still recovering from an ankle injury.
