After a comfortable 3-1 victory over Getafe at the weekend, Real Madrid can now turn their attention towards the Round of 16 clashe against PSG this week. They managed a 3-1 victory in the first leg and have a slight advantage, given that PSG are without their Brazil playmaker Neymar Jr, who is out injured.
The French giants managed to beat Troyes away from home at the weekend and will need to score at least twice (more than twice if they concede) if they are to keep their dreams in Europe alive. But Real Madrid are the true kings of this competition and have enough of an advantage, to see off PSG in this tie. Zinedine Zidane will not allow any complacency to set in and will go for the kill. However, if they lose, the French manager may well lose his job at Bernabeu.
Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this crunch tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Luka Modric is suffering from a hamstring strain and might miss this tie while Toni Kroos, who is also doubtful, may yet make it to the starting XI. Jesus Vallejo remains the only other absentee for Los Blancos ahead of this game.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Keylor Navas remains the undisputed no.1 for Zidane and is expected to keep his place in the side for this tie. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane had a tough time at Bernabeu in the first leg but they are among the best in Europe and will want to show Europe the same, in this game.
Marcelo also struggled to impose himself in that tie and will get another chance this week while Dani Carvajal, who remains the best option for Zidane at right back, is expected to keep his place in the side.
Midfield:
With Modric a big doubt, Zidane will not want to take too many risks in the midfield and should stick with Casemiro and Toni Kroos as the deepest of the midfielders. Both the players will have their work cut out against one of the most fluid attacks in Europe.
Modric could take the final place in this midfield if fit but could be replaced by Isco, if he struggles to make it.
Attack:
Karim Benzema is slowly finding his feet and will lead the attack for his side. Gareth Bale is finally fully fit and is looking dangerous. He could be the real danger man for PSG who will also have to keep a check on Cristiano Ronaldo himself, who is yet again taking the competition by a storm.
Here is how they might line up:
