Real Madrid are aiming to seal their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as they take on Sheriff Tiraspol on Wednesday. The record European champions had fallen to a tragic defeat to the Moldovian minnows in the reverse fixture and will be seeking retribution while hoping to secure the top spot in Group D.
Predicted Real Madrid Lineup Vs Sheriff
Defence
Carlo Ancelotti won’t have to deal with too many injury-related absentees in the defensive department. Real Madrid have already announced their team sheet for the upcoming game against Sheriff and it appears unlikely that Ancelotti would want to make too many changes from the side that faced Granada on the weekend.
David Alaba and Eder Militao, in particular, have built a strong and reliable partnership and may continue at the heart of the four-man backline. Ancelotti does have the option of Nacho or Jesus Vallejo in case he looks to shuffle his pack.
There could be a change at right-back, though, with Danny Carvajal likely to be rested ahead of the crucial league game against Sevilla. It paves the way for Lucas Vazquez to operate at right-back while Ferland Mendy remains a guaranteed starter on the opposite flank.
There shouldn’t be any change in goal, with Thibaut Courtois hoping to keep a clean sheet after missing out on one, in all of his last four matches.
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Midfield
In midfield, Real Madrid were given a massive blow as Federico Valverde is still yet to recover from his knock. His absence means Ancelotti will be compelled to continue with his tried and tested midfield trifecta, although there might be one alteration.
Luka Modric is set to be given a rest, with new signing Eduardo Camavinga hoping to earn a berth in the starting eleven. He will form Madrid’s second line of press alongside Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
Attack
As for the attack, Eden Hazard has not recovered from his illness and has been excluded from the matchday squad. Hence, Los Blancos may continue with the wide attacking duo of Vinicius Junior and Marco Asensio, although Ancelotti also has the option of deploying Rodrygo Goes.
Either way, the Real Madrid frontline will be spearheaded by none other than Karim Benzema, as the Frenchman continues to play a vital role for the team.
