Chelsea will clash heads with Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, hoping to pick a win in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The Blues will be heading into the contest on the back of an unexpected 4-1 loss to Brentford, whereas the Los Blancos recorded a narrow 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday 2.
Team News
Eden Hazard remains unavailable after undergoing a fibular plate operation, while Luka Jovic (ankle) is a doubt for the midweek clash.
Carlo Ancelotti will probably opt for his usual 4-3-3 formation; however, the Italian tactician is expected to make some changes as Dani Carvajal looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will continue to operate in between the sticks for the visitors. The Belgian international has kept just one clean sheet in his last five appearances across all competitions, so he would look to add to his tally on Wednesday.
Eder Militao will form his customary centre-half partnership with David Alaba at the heart of Real Madrid’s backline.
Ferland Mendy should start at the left-back spot, whereas Dani Carvajal will fill in on the other flank as the right-back. The full-backs will be expected to stay compact and keep their shape defensively.
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Midfield
Casemiro will feature alongside Luka Modric in the holding midfield position, with the former being assigned more of a defensive role to shield his side’s back four, whereas Toni Kroos will start in the central midfield position to complete the midfield trio.
Federico Valverde might have to settle for a place on the bench; however, he could be brought on in the second half of the game if needed.
Attack
Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio will take up the wide positions, playing on the left and right-wing, respectively.
Karim Benzema will lead the line for his side against Chelsea on Wednesday. The 34-year-old striker is in blistering goal-scoring form at the moment, and he’ll be hoping to add to the tally when he faces off against the defence that has conceded five goals in their last three matches across all competitions.
