The Spanish giants will be hoping to register consecutive wins in their UEFA Champions League campaign when they host FC Sheriff Tiraspol on Tuesday night.
FC Sheriff had a dream start to their first-ever Champions League campaign with a fantastic 2-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk. Yuriy Vernydub’s men will come to Bernabeu on the back of a thumping 7-0 win on Saturday and will be determined to upset the hosts.
Los Blancos were on a splendid run of victories and goals until the goalless draw against Villarreal on Sunday. Carlo Ancelloti will want his team to enter the pitch full of confidence against the Moldovan side.
Carlo Ancelloti will be having Toni Kroos back in the squad to face Sheriff. Kroos’s return will have provided a much-needed boost to the hosts, and he will be hoping to get some minutes on Tuesday.
Real Madrid is expected to win the clash against the Moldovan league champions at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and consolidate their place on top of group D.
Here is our predicted Real Madrid XI for the game against FC Sheriff Tiraspol:-
Goalkeeper:- Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian is in brilliant form and is irreplaceable in the goal. Courtois would like to add another clean sheet to his name.
Defenders: Nacho, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez
Nacho can once again start as the left-back to provide defensive solidity to his team. Nacho has proved to be a great asset for Ancelloti because of his versatility.
The concrete duo of Alaba and Militao is likely to start in the middle of the defense. The Austrian has been a great leader for Los Blancos on the pitch. Militao has been phenomenal this season with his recoveries and interventions and also provides a threat during set-pieces. The pair would like to integrate and break down all FC Sheriff’s attacks.
Lucas Vazquez has played as the right-back for most of the last season due to the injury of Dani Carvajal. The Spaniard can again ply his trade at the back under Ancelloti after starting the opening game against Inter Milan.
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Casemiro, Marco Asensio
Modric is ever-present in midfield for the Spanish capital and has been consistent with his performances. The 36-year-old still has the creativity to break open defenses.
Casemiro’s physicality in the middle of the park has been vital for Madrid on numerous occasions. The Brazilian will look forward to continuing his strong performances and start against the Moldovan club.
Asensio has played more centrally for Ancelloti, and the boss thinks it is his best position. The Spaniard has registered a sensational hat–trick playing in the midfield but would like to get more used to with his new spot.
Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema, Rodrygo
Vinicius has been one of the first names in the team sheet for the Italian. The Brazilian is a star in the making and has been absolutely electrifying this season.
Benzema would like to come back stronger after a quiet previous game. The Frenchman is the main source of goal for the Spanish club and would like to open his tally for this season’s UCL.
Rodrygo has been amazing on the right and is a constant threat whenever on the ball. The youngster said he likes to score in the Champions League and scored the only goal at San Siro.
The game will be played at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday (12.30 a.m. IST).
