LW Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr. is one of the players written in permanent marker on the team sheet, just like the goalkeeper, center backs, and elite midfield. The Brazilian winger was very good against Villarreal despite not having the end product, as he was a more confident referee away from drawing a game-clinching penalty for his team.
A handful for any defense, Vinicius has a favorable matchup on paper against former Real Madrid youngster and highly-attacking right back Achraf Hakimi. Vini’s passion, ball-carrying, and penchant for that something special at the end of matches could all be decisive for Real in this difficult battle at the Parc des Princes.
CF Karim Benzema
I am not sure it is a good idea for Karim Benzema to play, but I have a very hard time seeing him out of this match. Even if Ferland Mendy ends up being healthier, I consider Benzema even less likey to miss this match, simply because he is such an important and headstrong player. He will not want to miss this battle with PSG for the world.
Real Madrid have a lot of great and important players, but as we have seen recently, the team falls apart without Benzema attacking-wise. He is the glue linking it all together as the most well-rounded No. 9 many of us have ever seen in our lifetimes. Benzema playing – and being able to play well – could be the difference between a first-leg win or loss in the beautiful city of Paris.
RW Gareth Bale
Yes, my prediction is Gareth Bale will start. I think Carlo Ancelotti held him out for the Villarreal game and started him for about an hour to use that as an audition for the Champions League knockouts. He trusts Bale and knows the Welshman has a strong pedigree in this competition. Bale is a smart player off the ball and has the technique to score goals from nothing. He is the biggest threat to make the difference in a match like this at the right wing position. If needed, depending on how the match is going, either Marco Asensio or Rodrygo Goes could come in. But I think Ancelotti will give Bale the first crack. It honestly makes sense.