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Kroos, Rodrygo start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid could line up against SC Braga
Real Madrid will be aiming to book their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League when they face SC Braga in their fourth Group C encounter of the 2023/24 campaign.
Having defeated the Portuguese outfit away from home in their last European fixture, Los Blancos will be aiming to do the job again in the comforts of the Santiago Bernabeu later tonight.
There will be the added motivation of bouncing back strongly after the disappointing goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, which has seen them drop down to second place in the table.
Real Madrid go into the game without four players – Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois, all of whom are out injured.
Jude Bellingham has been named in the squad despite suffering from a dislocated shoulder, although a call on his involvement will be taken much closer to the game.
Even though Carlo Ancelotti has plans to rotate his troops, the manager will look to set out a strong team that will get the job done tonight.
Starters
Kepa Arrizabalaga is the undisputed starter between the sticks for Real Madrid in the absence of Thibaut Courtois and will once again feature tonight against SC Braga.
There could be some alterations in defence, starting with Lucas Vazquez getting a look-in at right-back at the expense of Dani Carvajal. Fran Garcia, though, is expected to continue on the left side.
Antonio Rudiger will once again start at the heart of the defence, especially considering that he is suspended for the upcoming La Liga game vs Valencia. David Alaba, though, could be given a breather, with captain Nacho Fernandez getting the nod instead.
With Bellingham’s availability uncertain, there is a solid possibility that Ancelotti could turn to a three-man midfield unit tonight, reverting to a 4-3-3 formation he used in the past.
Eduardo Camavinga will continue to slot in as the defensive midfielder for Real Madrid in the absence of his compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni.
Federico Valverde has been an ever-present in the team for the Merengues and should start as an interior midfielder against Braga, with Toni Kroos partnering him, after not starting against Rayo over the wekeend.
Along with Kroos, Rodrygo Goes is another player who could return to the starting XI vs Braga, potentially slotting in on the right wing. His compatriot, Vinicius Jr., ought to start on his natural left-wing position, with Joselu set to spearhead the Real Madrid attack.
Substitutes
There have been a lot of questions about Ancelotti and his reluctance to use Brahim Diaz this season, but the Spaniard could finally get some minutes later tonight against Braga.
Meanwhile, new signing Arda Guler could finally be set to play his first-ever game for Real Madrid since arriving in the summer. Young academy jewel, Nico Paz, could possibly be another debutant for Real Madrid after being called up to the squad once again.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric is certain to get some minutes in the second half of the game as well.
Following their narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal in La Liga, Real Madrid are in action tonight in the UEFA Champions League as they take on AS Roma in Matchday two of the league phase.
The Spanish capital giants kicked off their European campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu. They will now be eager to make it two in two in the competition tonight at Stadio Olimpico.
Things will be anything but easy though considering the solid start that the Giallorossi have made under Gian Piero Gasperini, stitching together a seven-game unbeaten run, although they have only one win in their last four matches.
Roma’s first Champions League of the game against Fenerbahce also ended in a 1-1 draw last month. Nonetheless, buoyed by their home support, the Serie A bigwigs will fancy their chances, especially against a Real Madrid side that has yet to find its best version.
Los Blancos go into the game with four absentees: Eder Militao, Raul Asencio, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy, with the Frenchman being not registered in the competition.
Vinicius Jr. will be available for the game as his impending suspension for a red card against Villarreal will only be applicable in La Liga. Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen is back in the squad after missing Saturday’s game due to a suspension.
Here’s how Jose Mourinho could set his Real Madrid team up as he returns to Stadio Olimpico to face his former employers.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois remains an undisputed starter in goal and one of Real Madrid’s most important players on the pitch. Having secured his second clean sheet of the season over the weekend, the Belgian ace will hope to add another on tonight.
Meanwhile, in defence, Dean Huijsen, back after serving his suspension, is expected to feature from the get-go. He will partner up with summer signing Ibrahima Konate, meaning Antonio Rudiger will drop to the bench against his former club.
There is likely to be a change at left-back as well with Marc Cucurella set to replace Alvaro Carreras, who started the league game against Villarreal.
On the right side of the defence, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to hold on to his place ahead of Denzel Dumfries.
Midfield
Jose Mourinho has yet to figure out his best double pivot pairing in the middle of the park for Real Madrid.
For now, though, the Portuguese tactician is expected to continue keeping faith in the pairing of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, despite the pair failing to provide the necessary control and creativity from the central areas.
Bernardo Silva could finally make an appearance off the bench after having seemingly disappeared from the manager’s plans in recent games.
As for the attacking midfield slot, there is simply no looking past Jude Bellingham, who has been Real Madrid’s best player so far this season under Mourinho.
Attack
Vinicius Jr. was benched by Jose Mourinho against Villarreal. The Brazilian came on in the second half for what turned out to be an eventful cameo capped off with a disallowed goal and a red card.
Seeing as he will be unavailable for at least two games in La Liga, Mourinho is expected to use him as a starter against Roma tonight. That, however, means Yan Diomande will drop out of the lineup immediately after scoring his first goal for Real Madrid.
On the right side of the attack, Arda Guler has impressed heavily and will hold on to his place, with his vision and creativity set to be extremely crucial.
Kylian Mbappe will make his 100th Champions League appearance, starting as Real Madrid’s centre-forward.
