Real Madrid are looking to take Sheriff Tiraspol off the perch as they take on Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The Spanish giants are currently second in the Group D table with six points. They are behind Sheriff due to the head to head record, but with the Moldovans facing a tough test against Inter, this could be an ideal opportunity for Los Blancos to move on top.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup Vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Defence
It remains to be seen how Carlo Ancelotti goes about his business in terms of team selection. He does have his two main centre-backs in David Alaba and Eder Militao available. They are expected to continue at the heart of the four-man backline, with Nacho Fernandez serving as a potential alternative.
At right-back, Ancelotti had given Danny Carvajal a breather in the game against Elche. The experienced fullback might return to the starting eleven this time around, although it won’t be overly surprising to see Lucas Vazquez continue.
On the opposite flank, Marcelo could potentially make way for Ferland Mendy, whose pace and dynamism on the flanks could be crucial in Real Madrid‘s chance creation.
There should be no changes in goal as Thibaut Courtois looks for his third clean sheet in four Champions League matches.
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Midfield
Real Madrid’s options in midfield were depleted after the injury to Federico Valverde while Dani Ceballos is still yet to return from the knock he suffered earlier in the summer.
Ancelotti did surprisingly start with Luka Modric against Elche, with the veteran even playing for 84 minutes. We are expecting the Croatian to retain his place in the side, ahead of Eduardo Camavinga.
Toni Kroos and Casemiro, meanwhile, remain guaranteed starters in the Real Madrid midfield. Their collective contribution could be vital in helping the team dominate this game.
Attack
Carlo Ancelotti will have to deal with the absence of star player Karim Benzema heading into this game. The former Everton coach opted for Mariano Diaz in the last game, but he, too, suffered a knock, effectively ruling him out from this game.
Diaz joins Gareth Bale and potentially Rodrygo in Real Madrid’s long list of absentees this midweek. As such, Ancelotti may have no option but to start with Luka Jovic upfront. The Serbian will be supported by the wide attacking duo of Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard, with the in-form Vinicius Junior likely to be utilised as a sub.
