Santiago Solari faced his first defeat as Real Madrid manager as the Galacticos went down to SD Eibar in the La Liga. It was also his first match as the permanent manager of Los Blancos and he would surely look to avoid any such mishap when the reigning European champions take on AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Real Madrid are currently on the top of their group and are at level terms with Roma on nine points each, the goal difference keeping them ahead of the Italian giants. So it is going to be a crucial match between the two sides as both of them would look to top the group as they go into the next round.
Team News
It is good news on the injury front for the Galacticos as they welcome Marcelo, Dani Carvajal and Raphael Varane back into the squad after their lengthy injury lay-offs. However, midfield mainstay Casemiro, backline aces Nacho Fernandez, Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilon and goalkeeper Keylor Navas are still out of the side with injuries, which is going to be a cause of concern for the new Real Madrid manager.
Goalkeeper
With goalkeeper Keylor Navas still out of the side, Solari will have to go in with Thibaut Courtois in the goal against Roma. The Argentine mastermind would expect a better performance from the Belgian after his dismal showing against Eibar in the weekend.
Defence
Dani Carvajal and Marcelo will start on the right and left back positions as Raphael Varane would be partnering Sergio Ramos in the heart of the defence. It is imperative for the backline to click for Real to avoid any disastrous outcome against Roma.
Midfield
The trio of Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos and Luka Modric will once again start in the midfield for the Galacticos. A lot will depend on them as they would have to keep possession in the midfield and also ensure regular delivery of balls for the forwards. Isco will start in the attacking midfielder role right behind the two strikers.
Attack
Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema will start as the two men up front for the Galacticos against Roma. It is high time for them to deliver consistently as Real Madrid needs to shrug off the disappointment from the weekend and win their next contest in the Champions League.
Predicted Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
