Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Shakhtar: A must-win game

Real Madrid will play against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League Tuesday match after their weekend game against Athletic Bilbao was postponed due to the fact that some players will not be ready in time to play this game after international duty in South America. Therefore, they will be overall well-rested and prepared to take on a team that they will need to get all three points against while also keeping an eye on El Clasico the following Sunday.

Goalkeeper

There is absolutely no question about the player that will be starting in goal for Real Madrid on the night as Thibaut Courtois will need to be at his best on the night. He’ll be tested and he’ll be hoping to continue the form that we have been seeing from him game after game throughout the season so far.

Defenders

Things are a little bit tricky for Carlo Ancelotti when it comes to the defense. With Eder Militao out injured, the manager will need to think of the best way to move forward. Lucas Vazquez could be given another chance at right-back which will give the Italian manager the opportunity to field Nacho Fernandez and David Alaba in the center of defense.

The Austrian defender was a minor doubt for the match, as he also suffered an injury during the international break. However, it seems like he will be fit enough to play the match. On the left, Ancelotti has some good news with the return of Ferland Mendy who has been missed this season but it would be too soon to risk starting him. Expect the French left-back to come in as a substitute for Miguel Gutierrez who will possibly be the one picked to start on the night.

Midfielders

Real Madrid will need to be careful in this game as they have a massive match against Barcelona coming up on Sunday but don’t expect Ancelotti to make any major changes. In fact, he isn’t a manager who likes to take too many risks, and therefore, a safe bet would be that our three midfield starters will play on the night.

Carlos Casemiro has been very far from his best so far during the campaign but after staying back in Madrid during the international break, he has had the rest he desperately needs and will need to come out strong on Tuesday. In front of him, the golden duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will be expected to start and dominate the midfield against a resilient Shakhtar side.

Forwards

Up front, Ancelotti has a few choices to pick from on the flanks. Eden Hazard suffered a minor injury while with Belgium and even though he is fine to play, the manager may think about keeping him on the bench and having him fresh for potentially starting against Barcelona during the weekend.

This means that we could see another start for Rodrygo Goes on the flank with the energetic and in-form Vinicius Junior on the left ready to come in and cause havoc up and down the wings. There are no prizes for guessing who will be up front as Karim Benzema will be the man picked after a memorable international break saw him score twice and lift the UEFA Nations League trophy with France to cement himself as a very serious Balon d’Or nominee.

Full Predicted Lineup

Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, Nacho Fernandez, David Alaba, Miguel Gutierrez, Carlos Casemiro, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior, Karim Benzema