MU Shorts
Rudiger, Camavinga start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid could line up against Man City
Real Madrid will be looking to book a place in the finals of the UEFA Champions League when they lock horns with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium later tonight.
The first leg of the semi-final tie between the two heavyweights ended in a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu last week, with Vinicius Jr and Kevin De Bruyne scoring two top-notch goals.
Both Real Madrid and Manchester City head into the game tonight with no advantage in terms of the scoreline, although playing at home could give the Premier League champions an edge.
Either way, it promises to be yet another tightly-contested affair between two of the best teams in Europe as a spot in the finals against Inter Milan awaits.
Heading into the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has the full squad at his disposal, and here is how he could set his team up against Manchester City.
Starters
Most of the positions are pretty much locked in for Real Madrid against Manchester City, with Thibaut Courtois lining up as the goalkeeper while Dani Carvajal is a certain starter at right-back.
Things get interesting in the centre-back department, though, with Eder Militao back in contention after missing the first leg due to suspension.
But considering how admirably Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba performed against Erling Haaland & co. last time out, Ancelotti might not tinker with the pairing.
Eduardo Camavinga should continue at left-back yet again after his masterful display against Bernardo Silva in the first leg last week.
The alternative would be to push Alaba to left-back while pairing Militao and Rudiger in the centre, releasing Camavinga to play in midfield. But it is likely that Ancelotti will stick to what worked so well last time out.
That would essentially mean Toni Kroos will again be deployed in the holding midfield role, with Federico Valverde and Luka Modric occupying the remaining two positions in the middle of the park for the reigning European champions.
As for the attacking line, there had been suggestions that Ancelotti might use Rodrygo Goes as a game-changer off the bench. But the Brazilian is in fine form and should start on the right flank. Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr will complete the trident for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Courtois, Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos, Modric, Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
Substitutes
Marco Asensio is pretty much guaranteed to come on off the bench as has been the case for most matches this season. The winger has been in very good form of late and can offer an additional goal threat going forward.
Dani Ceballos will also be an option for Carlo Ancelotti if he wants to add more energy and impetus in midfield.
The Real Madrid boss could also turn to Aurelien Tchouameni if he is looking to tighten things up in the centre of the park. One of Nacho or Eder Militao could be called upon as well so as to release Camavinga into midfield.
After returning to winning ways against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid will be aiming to build on it and collect three more points when they face Sevilla in the penultimate matchweek of the 2022/23 La Liga campaign tonight.
Thanks to the victory over Rayo coupled with Atletico Madrid’s slip-up against Espanyol, Carlo Ancelotti’s men were able to reclaim the second spot in the table and must now fight to keep hold of it in the remaining two matches of the season.
A trip to Sevilla, though, can be a tricky prospect, especially with the team hit by injuries and going with a depleted attacking unit.
Indeed, Real Madrid will be without Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, and Vinicius Jr tonight against Los Nervionenses due to injuries. Ancelotti thus has only three natural forwards at his disposal for the game at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
With that in mind, here is how Ancelotti could set his Real Madrid team up against Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Sevilla side tonight.
Starters
Thibaut Courtois is a guaranteed starter in goal for Real Madrid. The Belgian has always stood up for the team in important matches and will need to do so against Sevilla tonight.
Dani Carvajal has been ruled out of the contest due to suspension, which should pave the way for Lucas Vazquez to get the nod at right-back. Eder Militao should return at centre-back after not starting against Rayo, with the Brazilian partnering Antonio Rudiger
Ferland Mendy will likely get the nod at left-back as he fights for his future at Real Madrid in the final few games of the campaign.
Having fallen behind Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos in the pecking order, Aurelien Tchouameni will have a point to prove as he looks likely to start for Real Madrid in the holding midfield role tonight.
Both Kroos and Luka Modric started in midweek against Rayo and could thus be given a breather tonight, with Dani Ceballos and Camavinga occupying the remaining two midfield slots for the Merengues.
Moving into the attacking unit, manager Carlo Ancelotti is running short on options. As such, Federico Valverde should start out on the right flank against Sevilla.
Meanwhile, even though Eden Hazard is an option, Rodrygo Goes, who scored the winner against Rayo Vallecano, should get the nod on the left wing in the absence of his compatriot Vinicius Jr.
It should pave the way for youngster Alvaro Rodriguez to start in the No. 9 role for Real Madrid against Sevilla, with Karim Benzema unavailable.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy, Ceballos, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, Alvaro Rodriguez, Rodrygo.
Substitutes
Given the lack of options, Eden Hazard is certain to make an appearance at some point in the game against Sevilla. The likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos may also be called upon if things are not going Real Madrid’s way on the night.
Depending on the game situation, Carlo Ancelotti could turn to Nacho or David Alaba if he is looking to shut up shop.
Priyanka Roy
May 17, 2023 at 9:51 am
Whoever play…. Hala Madrid…. On 10 June at Istanbul we are going to lift the 15th UCL….. Again… Hala Madrid….
Today we will torn the Citizens all hope for having a treble this season….
Hala Madrid…..