Real Madrid Predicted XI vs. Borussia Monchengladbach: Lucas Vazquez to Start?

Will Lucas Vazquez start for Real Madrid at Borussia Monchengladbach?

Real Madrid come out of a great El Clasico victory as they need to get their heads back in the game for their second UEFA Champions League encounter of the season against Borussia Monchengladbach. They’ll need all three points here after their unexpected loss to Shakhtar Donetsk last week.

Goalkeeper

There aren’t enough words to explain how incredible Thibaut Courtois has been so far this season and he’ll be expected to keep up his form on Tuesday night. The Belgian goalkeeper has proven himself to be integral to this team and there is no chance of seeing him off the starting lineup unless he physically cannot play or if it’s the Copa del Rey.

Defenders

With all three of our right-backs injured after Nacho Fernandez joined Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola, we can expect to see Lucas Vazquez there for the job after his impressive performance as a substitute during the Clasico. In the center, the trusted duo of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos will be starting.

Varane will need to make up for two poor performances in his last two Champions League matches even though his league form has been sensational. On the left, we may see the return of Marcelo to the starting lineup but I think that Zinedine Zidane will take the ‘safer’ bet and give Ferland Mendy another start.

Will Eden Hazard make his return to the pitch for Real Madrid?

Midfielders

Real Madrid need to win the game but they also cannot let go of having a solid backline and who can ensure that better than Carlos Casemiro? He was at his best during the weekend and will surely be the same on Tuesday night. In front of the Brazilian, Luka Modric may return to the starting eleven while he’ll be accompanied by Toni Kroos. Federico Valverde looked extremely exhausted when taken off against Barcelona, so he could come on as a substitute.

Forwards

Eden Hazard has returned! However, it would be foolish for anyone to think that he would be starting the game. He may get limited minutes towards the end of the match if anything. On the right side though, we should expect Zidane to give Rodrygo Goes a chance to prove himself once again while the other flank will be taken over by Vinicius Junior.

Up front, the manager won’t be taking any risks right now and will probably end up going with Karim Benzema who will be looking to score only his second goal of the season.

Full Predicted Lineup

Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema