Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: Expectations for each projected starter

LW Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Junior worked extremely hard during the stretch of games in which Real Madrid eliminated Liverpool from the Champions League and won El Clasico. In fact, Vini was the best player on the pitch in the first two of those matches. The young Brazilian is expected to start against Chelsea with Eden Hazard not yet 100 percent. Vini himself should be at full strength, given he did not start against Betis. His energy on the ball, agility, and work rate will be vital. Real need Vini to run at the Chelsea back line as often as possible.

CF Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema is one of the best players in the world, and he will be the best attacker on the pitch this Tuesday. His 21 goals and 7 assists in the league lead all players on either side, and it’s not even close in the goals department. Benzema’s all-around play has been highlighted in recent matches, though he’s sometimes been failed by his teammates, such as against Betis. He had all three goal contributions against Cadiz, and a similar performance vs. Chelsea would be a massive first leg boost for the Royal White club. But he will have to fight for every inch of space against a world-class Blues’ defense.

RW Marco Asensio

If Eden Hazard is the X-Factor off the bench, then Marco Asensio is the X-Factor among the starters, as he would almost certainly be in the XI in a 4-3-3. Asensio’s left foot and technical quality make him someone Zinedine Zidane keeps trying to believe in, but outside of one recent hot streak of four goals in four straight matches, he’s been a letdown. Recently, Asensio was woeful against Betis. He cannot have a repeat performance. He must make himself available, but it won’t be easy against a top Premier League left back in Ben Chilwell.