Match Preview: Real Madrid vs Roma – Group Stage

Real Madrid Team News

Injuries and Suspensions

Real Madrid has no injury concerns or suspensions. Julen Lopetegui will have his entire squad for selection against Roma.

Starting XI and Tactics

Starting XI

Trying to predict the starting XI for Wednesday’s match is no easy task. After the upset that took place this past weekend against Athletic Bilbao, no one is sure if Julen will stay true to his gut feeling or change it up. Then again, no one really knows what his instinctive lineup may be, and like any good manager, he gives no indication away. Let’s start from the back and try to assess the variables or constants that are in play.

Goalkeeping has been a big question at Real since the arrival of Golden Glove winner Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian International played well on Saturday ensuring his new club went back home with a point in hand. Keylor Navas was rested of course did not play. With all the rest he’s had which includes the international break, he will likely get the start.

In defence, the strongest back line is sure to start. Experimenting and having a healthy rotation is important but Julen won’t take chances in the first game of the Champions League. Unless for some reason there is an injury that takes place (knock on wood) don’t expect to see any changes. What fans will be hoping to see though is Marcelo have a strong game and not drift too far forward leaving no time to get back.

It seemed that Lopetegui didn’t play Casemiro against Bilbao in order to give him a rest but that didn’t work out as he came on at the half. Certainly, he’s learned his lesson and that the Brazilian is key to Real’s midfield. The metronome, better known as Toni Kroos will also start, who will be alongside him is the question. In the event the very tired looking Luka Modric doesn’t play, Spanish international will get the go-ahead from his friend and manager Lopetegui.

Uptop expects to see Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio starting once again. Both have been in incredible thus far this season and not playing them would be a grave mistake. The couple has proven to be a menace in all their La Liga matches thus far.

The final pandora’s box will who starts as the striker. Kaim Benzema has now started and played a full 90-minutes four games in a row, that is the first time this has happened in his career. Against Bilbao, he looked sluggish and tired by the 60th minute. With loads of maturity on the pitch giving new signing Mariano Diaz the chance to start may not be such a bad idea. Full of energy and eager to show his worth, that is a recipe for success.

Tactics

Tactics will be determined by the personnel that Lopetgui elects to field. A 4-3-3 has been commonly used and will most likely feature once again. From the backline, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo will fly forward creating more of a 5 man midfield to help support the attack as well as whip in crosses.

With Isco likely to start we could see an upside down triangle in the midfield with Casemiro at the bottom and Kroos and Isco at the top. Isco will likely be given the free role yet again so that he may link up with the attacking line easily. Having Casemiro’s cover will make work easier on the defenders.

In the final third expect to see a lot of movement from Gareth Bale, the winger loves to drift into the middle of the park and has the dribbling capabilities to do so. Asensio will work with Marcelo on the left-hand side to sneak past defenders while Diaz will look for through balls from Toni as well as the crosses.